Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc — 2020
-
Introduction
-
“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.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
-
This cuvee is a blend from several terroirs in the Languedoc. It is a selection of cooler places in the Languedoc. The most substantial volume is from Limoux, a well adapted area close to Pyrenees, and North of Gard where the vines are located above 200m of altitude
- 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)
-
-
Vintage Report
-
2020 was a year with an exceptionally rainy spring which evolved into a warm summer. There were a few days with temperatures above 30°C. From the end of June, the rain subsided, and the presence of wind helped to reduce the pressure of mildew. The harvest finally began on August 14 at Mas la Chevalière, 6 days ahead of 2019. The earliest Chardonnay grapes were the first to go through the doors of the winery.
- Harvest Date(s): Mid-August, 6 days earlier than 2019 vintage
-
-
Vinification
-
Supervised at the property of origin by the Laroche team; whole bunches crushed in pneumatic press, then 24 hours settling at 12°C to 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; then bottled under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality.
- Bottled: January 2020
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 3.07 g/L
- p H: 3.2
-
Tasting Notes
-
Clear pale straw color. Pungent citrussy aromas on the nose with yellow fruit richness. Bright flavors, ripe fruit in mouth. Good balance and aromatic finish.
-
