Mas La Chevaliere La Chevaliere Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
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The Languedoc is legendary in French winemaking history, as it was here that the Romans first planted vines in 4 BC. The region is comprised of an impressive range of terroirs, allowing for the cultivation of a vast diversity of grape varieties. The climate is just right for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the high altitudes and cool temperatures of the foothills of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. Chardonnay is part of the DNA of Laroche, from Chablis to Languedoc, where it owns Mas la Chevalière with 32.5 hectares of two particularly unique terroirs: one dedicated to Syrah and one to Chardonnay. Today, thanks to its selection on cool climate terroirs and its unique high standard and modern wine cellar, Laroche offers a varietal range that represents balanced freshness and subtle aromas, linked to the Laroche signature. “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 property in Southern France. Although the farm is historic, the winery is an ultra-modern, temperature-controlled facility designed by Michael Laroche. Mas la Chevalière is considered a reference point in the region for the quality of its winery equipment, which allows for the precise expression of each grape variety and vineyard parcel.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.