Le Chat Noir Rose

The 2009 Le Chat Noir Rose Primarily sourced from the Gard region between Montpellier and Nimes with a small component of cool climate fruit from the Aude Valley.

The Region

The Gard is the “pivot” of the south, joining Languedoc to the west, with Provence to the right and the Rhone Valley to the North. The landscape flows from low rocky hills near Nimes to the sandy soils of the Rhone delta. The vineyard soils are covered by pebbles, similar to much of the Rhone and likewise enjoy the “Mistral” – cooling autumn breezes.

Winemaking

Completely whole bunch fermented with a short maceration (a few hours) sufficient to impart colour and texture. Following a soft pressing, the juice is given a cool fermentation in stainless steel and allowed to ferment to almost complete dryness. Maturation on lees in stainless steel adds texture and malo-lactic fermentation is prevents to ensure vibrancy.

2009 Vintage

A wet spring, whilst raising concerns about vineyard health, ensured the vineyards were refreshed and well supplied with water. The summer was very dry, however a burst of high heat in August was relatively short in duration and the vineyards well prepared to handle the stress. The single most important factor in 2009 was the cool evenings (the difference between maximum and minimum temperature in Autumn was larger than in either 2008 or 2007) which ensured the fruit retained acidity and freshness.

Tasting N​otes

Sitting neatly between “Old World” (pale, dry and restrained) and “New World” (bright, fruit focussed and exuberant). The colour is pale pink, with crimson highlights when viewed across a full glass. A vibrant nose displays fruit drops, red berries and floral aromas of roses and lavender. A beautifully balanced palate combines rich fruit flavours and a round mouth-feel with soft acidity and freshness on a dry finish.