Chablis Saint Martin – 2012
-
Vineyard Profile
-
Cuvée Saint Martin is a blend of the best plots of Domaine Laroche in the Chablis appellation. All plots are located on Kimmeridgian soil with a west to northwest orientation. Thanks to the diverse nuances of these sources, they bring richness and complexity to the final cuvée.
- Definition: Saint Martin, the patron saint of Chablis, was a Roman cavalry officer who converted to Christianity, lived as a humble monk and was elected Bishop of Tours. After his death in 397, his body was brought back to the Abbey of Marmoutier in Tours, where his relics (his famous cloak, in particular) were kept. In 877, as the Normans were invading the Touraine, monks took his relics to Chablis to avoid destruction. Saint Martin’s relics were kept for a decade in the Obédiencerie, the prayer hall in the ninth-century monastery in the town of Chablis.
- Viticulture: Converting toward organic viticulture: 2010 is the first year of organic cultivation for these vineyards. Domaine Laroche will require four consecutive years of organic cultivation (one more year than EU regulations prescribe) before their viticulture will be considered 100% organic. Traditional Chablis pruning system with strict pruning and debudding. Trellising to aerate the canopy and leaf plucking to avoid compact canopy and avoid development of botrytis.
- Size: 61.77 hectares (152.64 acres)
- Vine Age: Average of 30 years
- Density: 6,600 vines/hectare (2,670 vines/acre)
-
-
Vintage Report
-
Chablis AOC, usually slow-ripening, benefited from an extraordinary end of summer. Blue skies, sunny and dry conditions, light winds and cold nights — all the elements required for a complete, superb ripening of Chardonnay. The condition of the grapes, which were less abundant than in 2011 due to coulure and millerandage, was perfect! This enabled the development of impeccable aromas. A vintage of cold maturation, implying neither excess heat nor heaviness, 2012 promises elegant, aromatic, well-balanced and generously mineral wines.
- Harvest Date(s): End of September to beginning of October
- Yields: 55 hl/ha (4.07 tons/acre)
-
-
Vinification
-
Pressing: Whole bunches in a pneumatic press, then 12 hours settling at 12°-15°C (53°-59°F) in specially designed wide tanks that accelerate the natural settling process
- Fermentation: 21 days fermentation at 17°C (62°F) in stainless steel
- Malolactic: None
- Aging: 8 months on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks; no barrel aging
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve the maximum natural character of the wine
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 25,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Cases Imported: 2,275
- Alcohol: 12%
-
Tasting Notes
-
Appearance: Pale gold color
Aroma: Intense with hints of ripe white fruit and flowers; rich aromatic variety typical of the Laroche style
Taste: Powerful fruit expression, aromatic richness and freshness; lingering fruity finish
-
Images
Reviews
-
Chablis Saint Martin – 2012 – 90 points – Wine & Spirits
"An impressive vintage of Laroche's basic Chablis…bringing up a seashell character to deepen the bright lemon-lime flavors. Hints of honey, butterscotch and almonds enrich but don't tamp down the energy of the tight citrus fruit."
-
Chablis Saint Martin – 2012
Pale gold color. Intense aromas with hints of ripe white fruit and flowers; rich aromatic varietym typical of the Laroche style. Powerful fruit expression, aromatic richness and freshness; lingering fruity finish.
-
Chablis Saint Martin – 2012 – 88 points – Vinous
"The 2012 Chablis Saint-Martin opens with a lovely sense of energy and focus. Bright, floral and focused, it is a gorgeous wine to drink over the next few years. Peach, pear and a light touch of honey inform the tense, vibrant finish."