18) The Loire Valley Flashcards
Four main sub-regions in The Loire (east to west)
Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur and Nantais
IGP of The Loire and what you can expect
Val de Loire, fresh, light body and simple fruit flavours
Climate in the Central Vineyards (TLV)
Continental due to how far east it is
Climate of the Nantais region (TLV)
Maritime due to proximity to the coast
Explain why the climate in Anjou is unexpected
It is warmer than would expect, being close to the sea, due to the Mauges Hills protecting it
Issue found in the Loire valley
Rainfall can cause fungal diseases
Four main white grape varieties in the Loire Valley
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon Blanc and Maine
Where is Sauvignon blanc mainly grown (TLV)
Central Vineyards and Touraine
Most prestigious appellations for Sauvignon Blanc in the Central Vineyards, soil type and character (TLV)
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, chalky soil, dry style with high acidity, green apple and wet stones
MLF is used to
soften acidity
Winemaking style in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume
Gentle not adding too much. Stainless steel vats or old oak. MLF for wines grown in cooler climates
Sauvignon blanc appellation south and west of Sancerre and its style
Menetou-Salon, similar style to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, gentle
Majority of Sauvignon Blanc comes from (TLV)
Touraine
Name of the main appellation in Touraine
Touraine
Chenin Blanc profile
High acid non-aromatic, can be dry or sweet, still or sparkling
Main sub-regions for Chenin Blanc (TLV)
Touraine and Anjou-Saumur
Peculiarity of Chenin Blanc
Even within the same bunch, different grapes can be at different levels of ripeness
Types of wine that can be made from Chenin Blanc
Dry or sweet, still or sparkling