18. Loire Valley Flashcards
What is the name of the IGP covering the whole Loire region?
Val de Loire
White Touraine is made with which grape?
Sauvignon Blanc
Menetou Salon is a ….. appelation and the grape is….
Central Vineyards of Loire valley
Sauvignon Blanc
What are the subregions of Loire Valley from east to west? Describe their climates.
- Central Vineyards: Continental
- Tourraine: Cooler, wetter climate and clay soils
- Anjou-Saumur: Slightly warmer and drier than might be expected given to its proximity to the ocean
- Nantais: Maritime
The most desirable locations of the vineyards of Loire Valley are located at:
- Southerly aspects
- Mid-slope
- Facing the river
Sauvignon Blanc is mainly grown in which areas of Loire Valley?
- Central Vineyards
- Tourraine
What are the most prestigious appellations for Sauvignon Blanc in Loire Valley?
- Sancerre
- Pouilly-Fume
What is the soil type in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume?
Very chalky, well-drained stony soil
What are the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume?
- Dry
- High acidity
- Hints of green apple and wet stones
- Pouilly-Fume has subtle smoky notes
Generally are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume wines for aging?
No
The majority of Sauvignon Blanc produced in Loire Valley come from which region?
Tourraine
Compare the Sauvignon Blanc from Menetou-Salon with Sancerre
Sauvignon Blanc from the Menetou-Salon are made in the same style as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume but moderately priced
Why several passes through the vineyard may be necessary to harvest Chenin Blanc?
It is common for the grapes to reach different levels of ripeness even within one bunch so care should be taken to exclude the unripe grapes during the harvest which can result in green, herbaceous aromas
What styles of wines can be produced from Chenin Blanc?
- Dry
- Sweet
- Sparkling
How is it possible to make a sparkling wine from Chenin Blanc with an alcohol level 10-11 % abv?
By picking barely ripe fruits
Describe the flavour profile of Chenin Blanc wines
- Young wines have flavours from apple to tropical fruits
- Dry wines have also smoky, steely character
- Sweet wines have apricot and citrus peel flavours
- Both dry and sweet wines can age for decades and develop aromas of honey, toast and hay
Compare the styles of Chenin Blanc in:
- Vouvray
- Saumur and Anjou
- Savanniers and Coteaux de Layon
- Vouvray: Cool climate and clay soil results in wines light to medium in body, with fresh fruity and floral notes. Oak is rare
- Saumur and Anjou: Similar climate and soil as Vouvray. Saumur is renowned for sparkling Chenin Blanc. Anjou is better known for dry wines which often matured in oak
- Savanniers and Coteaux de Layon: Climate here is relatively warm and dry, leading to medium to full bodied wines with less floral style. Savennieres produces dry, full bodied Chenin Blancs. The vineyards are well exposed so the air circulation impedes noble rot but promotes late harvest. Located in the sheltered valley of River Layon, Coteaux de Layon produces some of the best renowned sweet wines in this region
What are the two famous sites of Coteaux de Layon?
- Quartz de Chaume
- Bonnezeaux
What are the synonyms of Melon Blanc?
- Muscadet
- Melon de Bourgogne
Why is Melon Blanc well-suited for cool climate?
- It ripens early
- It is frost resistant
Which region in Loire Valley accounts for the growth of vast majority of Melon Blanc?
Nantais region
What is the largest wine growing area of Nantais region?
Muscadet
Which wine growing area of Nantais region accounts for the greatest production of Muscadet?
Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Tasting notes of wines from Muscadet appellations
- Dry
- Medium alcohol (maximum permitted is 12% abv)
- High acidity
- Light body
- Subtle green fruit flavours
What is Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie?
A muscadet wine that has spent the winter on its lees. It has a richer texture. It is handled very little to to retain delicacy and freshness
If the wine is labelled as “Pouilly” or “Pouilly-sur-Loire”, it is made of which grape? (E)
Chasellas
Why is Cabernet Franc well-suited to Loire Valley?
It flowers and ripens early
Name the important red wine appellations in Loire
- Touraine: Chinon, Bourgueil
- Anjou-Saumur: Saumur Champigny
Describe the tasting notes of 2 different styles of Cabernet Franc produced in Touraine (Chinon and Bourgueil) and tell the reason
- Light, fruity, low tannin wines: From sandy soils
- Fuller bodied, more tannic wines: From south facing slopes with limestone and clay soils
Compare the Cabernet Francs from Touraine (Chinon and Bourgueil) and Anjou-Saumur (Saumur-Champigny)
Cabernet Francs from Saumur-Champigny tend to be lighter in body and tannin but display juicy berry fruit and sometimes floral notes. Best drunk young and can often be served chilled.
What is the second most widely planted black grape in Loire Valley?
Gamay
Name the rose wines produced in Loire Valley and their styles and grapes.
- Rose de Loire: Mainly in Anjou. Always dry. Minimum 30 % Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet de Anjou: Anjou. Medium-sweet. Blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rose de Anjou: Anjou. Less sweet. Made predominantly of Grolleau blended with Cabernet Franc and other local varieties
- Sancerre rose: Sancerre. Dry. Pinot Noir. Pale in color, light in body with delicate fruit flavors
How are the rose wines produced in Loire?
Either by direct pressing or a short maceration
Why is Anjou slightly warmer and drier than might be expected given to its proximity to the ocean?
- The vineyards are protected by Mauges Hills
- Certain vineyards benefit from stony soils
Name one village and one vineyard in Sancerre with highest reputation for particularly expressive wines
- Chavignol village
- Les Monts Damnes Vineyard
