Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2018
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Introduction
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“La Chevalière,” or “the knight’s lady,” is a reference to “Mas La Chevalière,” literally the “farmhouse of the knight’s lady,” the Laroche winery in southern France that was created by Michel Laroche. Surrounded by a wall, just like the “clos” enclosures in Burgundy, Mas La Chevalière is a place of history and character where the “jardins à la française” offer a Mediterranean accent.
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Vineyard Profile
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The Pinot Noir grapes come from our vineyard partners in 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 soils are varied, with clay and limestone predominant.
- Viticulture: “Lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required); cordon pruning, fruit thinning and high trellising in the vineyards
- Size: 30 hectares (74.13 acre)
- Vine Age: 20 years old
- Density: 4,000 vines per hectare (1,600 vines per acre)
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Vintage Report
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2018 was a warm year in the Languedoc with heavy rainfall. The abundant rain in the spring prevented the plants from coming to harm. Following the July heat, maturation was held up somewhat, but August’s storms allowed any delays in growth to be overcome. A perfect state of health despite the high levels of pressure on plant health in the region, especially in the case of organic growing. A fairly early vintage, with a one-week shift compared to the previous year. An excellent vintage!
- Harvest Date(s): Early September
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 12 days at 26° to 28°C (78° to 82°F) in stainless-steel tanks with daily pump overs to increase skin contact and aerate the wine
- Malolactic: 100%
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve the natural character of the wine
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Production (in cases): 25,000 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 3.26g
- p H: 3.53
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Bright ruby hue
Aroma: Ripe and pulpy cherry aromas
Taste: Juicy mouthfeel combined with supple, velvety tannins
Aging Potential: 2 years
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