Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2016
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Introduction
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“La Chevalière,” or “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 to build complexity in the wine. All areas are under maritime influence which provides cooler, fresher conditions. Vineyard orientation is to the west and northwest. The soil is varied, with clay and limestone predominant.
- Viticulture: “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
- Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines per acre)
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Vintage Report
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The 2016 vintage experienced a mild winter with very few rain followed by a cold spring. This enabled the start of the vineyard vegetative season to develop regularly
and homogeneously. The dry and hot summer prevented diseases to appear. At the time of the harvest, the vineyard was sane, balanced with tiny grapes. A very nice vintage. - Yields: Late August to early September
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Vinification
- 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: January 2017. Under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- TA: 3.5g/L
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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; good balance and aromatic finish
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