Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2010
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Introduction
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“De La Chevalière,” or “of the knight’s lady,” is a reference to “Mas La Chevalière” which is literally the “farmhouse of the knight’s lady,” the Laroche winery in southern France where this wine is produced.
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Vineyard Profile
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Minervois, Béziers, Agde, Bédarieux, Montpellier, Nîmes: encompassing both the western and eastern Languedoc regions. A wide range of origins builds complexity in the wine. All areas are under maritime influence which provides cooler, fresher conditions. Vineyard orientation is to the east and south. The soil is varied, with chalk, marl and schist predominant.
- Cultivation: “Lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required); primarily cordon pruning with fruit thinning and high trellising in the vineyards
- Size: Purchased grapes, vineyard size varies based on source/location
- Vine Age: 10 years or more
- Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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A vintage with generous sunshine. Cool nights allowed the grapes to keep their balance, vivacity and delicate aroma. Harvest took place under favorable weather conditions beginning in mid-September.
- Harvest Date(s): September 5-25
- Yields: 50 hl/ha (3.7 tons/acre)
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Vinification
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Pressing: Supervised at the property of origin: whole bunches in pneumatic press, then 24 hours settling at 12°-15°C (53°-59°F)
- Fermentation: 12 days at 26°-28°C (78°-82°F) in stainless-steel tanks with daily pump overs to increase skin contact and aerate the wine
- Malolactic: None
- Aging: 6 months in stainless steel, no barrel aging
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve maximum natural character of the wine
- Bottled: Under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 40,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Clear pale straw color
Aroma: Pungent citrusy aromas with yellow fruit richness
Taste: Bright flavors, ripe fruit in the mouth; good balance on the palate with an aromatic finish
Aging Potential: 3 years
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