Blending Terroir: 'Cuvée Indigène' Estate Chardonnay
The Belle Côte, Ma Belle-Fille, and La Carrière vineyards each have their unique expression of terroir conveyed in their respective wines. Within each vineyard, individual blocks or specific portions within blocks stand out each year for exceptional quality.
Since each block is fermented separately, the winemaking team can taste through, barrel by barrel, all the top lots in the vintage after the first year in the barrel and select from the very best to create Cuvée Indigène. Once selected, the barrels are allowed to age an additional six months longer than the vineyard-designated Chardonnays, giving extra breadth and texture to the mid-palate of the wine.
“The top lots in the vintage, tasted after the first year in the barrel, are selected to create Cuvée Indigène.”
Three vineyard parcels in Ma Belle-Fille, one from the steeper upper section and two from the less steep, lower section, contribute gras, length, definition, and layers to Cuvée Indigène. From Belle Côte, four parcels from the upper, middle, plateau, and lower portions of a single vineyard block give mid-palate breadth, richness, power, and roundness to the blend. From La Carrière, the two steepest blocks and the top twelve rows of the uppermost block bring the chiseled, focused structure and beautiful tension that help define Cuvée Indigène. Once blended, Cuvée Indigène is a layered, complex wine that can be enjoyed in its youth but also rewards long cellaring.
