Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2014
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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 (198 acres) total; vineyard size varies based on source and location
- Vine Age: 15-25 years
- Soil: The soil is varied, with clay and limestone predominant.
- Orientation: West and northwest
- Density: 4,000 vines per hectare (1,619 vines per acre)
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Vintage Report
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A warm and dry winter was followed by clear skies and fresh breezes during the summer months. The grape varieties benefited from a dry summer without any heat waves. These climatic conditions, combined with carefully chosen harvest dates, resulted in a beautiful harvest of perfectly ripened grapes. The 2014 vintage in the Languedoc produced fresh and elegant wines, well balanced, with outstanding complexity.
- Harvest Date(s): Late August to early September
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Vinification
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Pressing: Supervised at the property of origin by the Laroche team; whole bunches crushed in pneumatic press, then 24 hours settling at 12 C and 15 C (53 F to 59 F) to allow the aromas to be absorbed into the must
Fermentation: 12 days of fermentation at 15 C (59 F) in stainless-steel tanks
Malolactic: None
Aging: 6 months in stainless-steel tanks, no barrel aging
Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve maximum natural character of the wine
Bottled: April 2015. Under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- TA: 3.78g/L
- p H: 3.42
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Clear, pale straw color
Aroma: Strong citrusy aromas on the nose, with yellow-fruit richness
Taste: Bright flavors of ripe fruit in the mouth; good balance and aromatic finish
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