Mas La Chevaliere Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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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.
A catchall term for the area surrounding the Languedoc and Roussillon, Pays d’Oc is the most important IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) in France, producing 85% of this country’s wine under the IGP designation. (IGP indicates wine of good quality, not otherwise elevated to the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status.)
The near perfect Mediterranean climate combined with dry, cool winds from the north, optimal soils, altitudes and exposures make Pays d’Oc an ideal wine growing region. Single varietal wines and blends are possible here and while many types of grapes do well in Pays d’Oc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cinsault are among the most common.