Domaine Laroque Cite de Carcassonne Chardonnay 2017
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Suckling
James
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James Suckling
A fresh chardonnay showing apricots, yellow peaches and apple pie. Full to medium body, a compact and dense texture and a pure, balanced finish.
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2022-
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Suckling
James
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Wong
Wilfred
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Suckling
James
The Laroque vineyard is planted around the ancient region of Carcassonne, which is known for its famous medieval citadel (UNESCO listed). Laroque (from latin ‘roqua’) derives its name from the Menhirs (a single standing stone that dates back to the middle of the Bronze Age) which used to be found in the vineyards of Carsac and Limoux.
Located between the Pyrenees and the Black Mountains, Carcassonne enjoys a privileged climatic position where the excesses of the Mediterranean climate are tempered by the softness of the Atlantic climate. This results in sunny, hot, and dry days, but also in cool nights. This extraordinary harmony in nature creates wines that are fresh, elegant, and balanced.
The hillside vineyards have a double climatic influence with two alternating winds. One comes from the Mediterranean Sea bringing warmth and humidity and is softened by the “Cers” wind coming from the North West of Narbonne. The other one comes from Atlantic Ocean which is dry and temperate.
The vineyard is located around the villages of Carsac and Limoux. The average age of the vines is 25 years with a density of 4500 to 5000 vines/hectare. Grapes are picked up in September and fermented in temperature controlled tanks for 20 days. Wine is pumped over 3 times daily until the end of fermentation. It is then aged for few months and is bottled early Spring .
The property makes Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a limited release Rosé.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A sunny land braced by the influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the South of France extends from the French Riviera in the East to the rugged and mountainous Spanish border in the West. This expansive and stunning region remains the source of France's finest rosé and fortified wines, while the red and white wines continue to gain respect.
Provence, located farthest east, is revered for dry, elegant and quenching rosé wines, which make up the vast majority of the region’s production. These are typically blends of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Tibouren and other varieties.
Moving west from the Rhône Valley, spanning the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon, Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains. Virtually every style of wine is made in Languedoc; most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley.
Bordered by the rugged eastern edge of the Pyrenees Mountains and intense sunshine, Roussillon is largely defined by Spanish influence. The arid, exposed, steep and uneven valleys of the Pyrénées-Orientales zone guarantee that grape yields are low and berries are small and concentrated. While historically recognized for the vins doux naturels of Rivesaltes, Banyuls and Maury, the region’s dry reds are beginning to achieve the notoriety the deserve.
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 nearly all of France’s wine under the IGP designation.