Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2010
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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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The Pinot Noir grapes come from two distinct regions of the Languedoc: the Cévennes foothills in the northern Gard region (The Cévennes is a maze of deep valleys with winding rivers of clear waters, steep slopes covered in forests and jagged rock cliffs and ledges. More than a mountain chain, the Cévennes are in fact a multitude of many-sided open spaces which form the southern part of the Central Massif as it veers towards the Languedoc.); and from Limoux, in the hills south of Carcassonne in the western Languedoc, where the influence of a maritime climate provides cooler, fresher conditions. The soil is varied, with chalk, marl and schist predominant.
- Cultivation: “Lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required); cordon pruning, fruit thinning and high trellising in the vineyards
- Size: Purchased grapes, vineyard size varies based on source/location
- Vine Age: 10 years or more
- Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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A vintage with generous sunshine. Cool nights allowed the grapes to keep their balance, vivacity and delicate aroma. Harvest took place under favorable weather conditions in early September.
- Harvest Date(s): September 1-11
- Yields: 50 hl/ha (3.7 tons/acre)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 12 days at 26°-28°C (78°-82°F) in stainless-steel tanks with daily pump overs to increase skin contact and aerate the wine
- Malolactic: 100%
- Aging: 6 months in stainless steel, no barrel aging
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve maximum natural character of the wine
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Production (in cases): 58,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Bright ruby red color
Aroma: Fresh red fruit with cherry overtones
Taste: Elegant and harmonious structure with fine, velvety tannins
Aging Potential: 3 years
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