Chardonnay, Languedoc — 2022
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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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The Orb Valley, in which Mas la Chevalière is located, has various landscapes coming one after another, and they have been all shaped and cultivated for centuries. Vine has been paramount since its antiquity and the well-designed plots have structured slopes, offering the best conditions for a wide range of grape varieties. If this place is famous for its water springs, the Valley of Orb has a perfect microclimate to ripen grapes without losing balance and freshness. White wines are fruity and nervy, red is supple and intense.
- 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
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Vintage Report
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The 2022 vintage was very early with high temperatures, however slightly moderated by the proximity to the sea. No water stress thanks to the Spring rainfalls, with the exception of the young vines which were harvested earlier: on August 12th. The acidity levels decrease as early as the first days of August, as well as the tasting of the berries with phenolic ripeness, confirmed a great aromatic potential, and were all triggers to an early harvest.
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Vinification
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12 days of fermentation at 15°C (59°F) in stainless-steel tanks
- Malolactic: None
- Aging: 5 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.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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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.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it as an aperitif or with seafood, crayfish, Japanese food and goat cheese.
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