Mas La Chevaliere La Chevaliere Sauvignon Blanc 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.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
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.