Mas La Chevaliere La Chevaliere Rose 2011
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La Chevaliere Rose is a light rose-petal pink color. It is complex, very aromatic nose of strawberry, tropical fruit and subtle floral notes. Fragrant red berry character in the mouth with fine, crisp acidity and a zesty finish.
Blend: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
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.
Whether it’s playful and fun or savory and serious, most rosé today is not your grandmother’s White Zinfandel, though that category remains strong. Pink wine has recently become quite trendy, and this time around it’s commonly quite dry. Since the pigment in red wines comes from keeping fermenting juice in contact with the grape skins for an extended period, it follows that a pink wine can be made using just a brief period of skin contact—usually just a couple of days. The resulting color depends on grape variety and winemaking style, ranging from pale salmon to deep magenta.
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.