TAURUS

2016  Cabernet Sauvignon

LANGUEDOC, FRANCE

                                               

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This wine is bold and intense like the Bull. We were delighted when we found the Taurus Cabernet Sauvignon as it shows the natural beauty of this grape type before oak aging. Often this grape type is blended and aged in oak, thus its pure flavors are compromised. In these vineyards in the south of France it has found an ideal home where it is warm enough that it can fully ripen, and the tannins become round, yet there are enough cooling influences form the ocean, and minerality of the soil that it keeps its fresh bite and complexity.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Ruby-red color
Aroma: Flattering nose of red berry fruit and spices. A hint of cedar. The characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon notes of bell pepper present.
Taste: Ripe cassis fruit combined with ripe tannins.Vibrant flavors on the palate with a good structure and a harmonious finish.
Aging Potential: 7-8 years

GASTRONOMY

Dish: This wine is perfect accompaniment for casseroles, stews, cassoulet and game. 
Cheese: Cabernet Sauvignon favors  harder cow’s milk cheeses: cheddar, Gauda, Gruyère, Parmiggiano Reggiano

Temperature: 16 - 18ºC

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5%

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VINTAGE REPORT

After a mild but dry winter which resulted in an early budding, spring was cool enough to slow down the cycle.  A shortage of water, though, made itself felt from spring onwards: 2016 was the driest season in Languedoc since 1944.   In general, conditions were warm and dry with nights cool enough to retain freshness, and quality

Harvest Dates: Mid-September Yields: 40 hl/ha (2.96 tons/acre)

VINEYARD PROFILE

Located in the center of the Languedoc region, just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Mediterranean.

Cultivation: “Lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required); cordon pruning, fruit thinning and high trellising in the vineyards
Vine Age: 15 years +
Soil: Varied, with chalk, marl and schist predominant
Orientation: South and east
Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)

VINIFICATION

Fermentation: 12 days at 26° to 28°Cin stainless-steel tanks with daily pump overs to increase skin contact and aerate the wine
Malolactic: 100%
Aging: 6 months in stainless steel, no barrel aging
Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve maximum natural character
Bottled: Under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality