La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2021
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Introduction
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WINERY: Located in the southernmost tip of the Burgundy region, Moulin-à-Vent was one of the first appellations awarded AOC status in 1936. Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent, named for the 300-year-old stone windmill atop the hill of Les Thorins, dates back to 1732, when it was called Chateau des Thorins.
WINE: These wines are crafted in the traditional style of the region, without utilizing carbonic maceration. They offer a level of structure and complexity that is on par with the wines from Côte de Nuits or Northern Rhône.
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Vineyard Profile
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‘La Rochelle” is sourced from arguably the top single vineyard in the appellation. It sits at 280m in altitude with vines that are over 80 years old. The low-yielding vines create intensely concentrated wines that have serious ageing potential.
- Cultivation: Sustainable; Organic cultivation without official certification
- Vine Age: 80+ years
- Soil: Granite soil - rich in iron oxide and manganese
- Orientation: South exposure
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare (4,047 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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A late year with varying levels of ripeness and low yields caused by spring frost and humidity. Gradual but successful ripening on granitic soils.
- Yields: From 10,000 - 12,500 vines/hectare
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Vinification
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Traditional vinification without sulphites: one pumping over per day and a punching down during fermentation to release extra juice (and get a homogeneous pumping over.) Low fermentation temperatures (max 25°C). Total duration, from 15 to 18 days.
- Aging: 9 months in 50% French oak, (no new), then 9 months in stainless steel tank before bottling
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir (70% de-stemmed)
- Alcohol: 13%
- TA: 3.15 g/L
- p H: 3.65
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Tasting Notes
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Aromas of violets and ripe red fruits. On the palate, you’ll taste flavors of black plum, juicy cherry, and concentrated spice. There is also a more vegetal profile with aromas of sage and gentian, as well as hints of gunflint. Overall, the wine is massive, powerful, and has strong tannins.
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