Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2011
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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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2011 was an excellent vintage in the South of France. Weather conditions were very fine, producing a high level of grape ripeness and exceptional balance of sugar and acidity. Cool temperatures at night in August and early September had a huge impact on the quality of aromas in the berries and, subsequently, in the wine. The wines will be very complex.
- Harvest Date(s): Early September
- 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): 41,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Pale straw color
Aroma: White fruit with a floral overtone
Taste: Very lively on the palate, with ripe white peach; elegant and refreshing finish
Aging Potential: 3 years
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