Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2013
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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.
- 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 from vineyard partners; estimated 80 hectares total; vineyard size varies based on source and location
- Vine Age: 23 years
- Soil: Varied, with chalk, marl and schist predominant.
- Orientation: West and northwest
- Density: 4,500 vines/hectare (1,821 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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The 2013 vintage started with a biting cold winter and a mild spring that both made the vegetative cycle slower than usual and ultimately reduced the yields naturally. The moderate weather during the summer and the bright end of autumn allowed the grapes to ripen fully under excellent healthy conditions. Finally, harvest took place under beautiful weather, three weeks later than usual. In these conditions, Chardonnay grapes have a nice, fresh acidity.
- Harvest Date(s): Late 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 by the Laroche team: whole bunches in pneumatic press, then 24 hours settling at 12°-15°C (53°-59°F) to allow the aromas to be absorbed into the must
- Fermentation: 12 days at 15°C (59°F) in stainless-steel tanks
- 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
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Clear, pale straw color
Aroma: Pungent, citrusy aromas on the nose, with yellow-fruit richness
Taste: Bright flavors of ripe fruit in the mouth; good balance and aromatic finish
Aging Potential: 2-3 years
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