18) The Loire Valley Flashcards

1
Q

Four main sub-regions in The Loire (east to west)

A

Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur and Nantais

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2
Q

IGP of The Loire and what you can expect

A

Val de Loire, fresh, light body and simple fruit flavours

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3
Q

Climate in the Central Vineyards (TLV)

A

Continental due to how far east it is

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4
Q

Climate of the Nantais region (TLV)

A

Maritime due to proximity to the coast

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5
Q

Explain why the climate in Anjou is unexpected

A

It is warmer than would expect, being close to the sea, due to the Mauges Hills protecting it

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6
Q

Issue found in the Loire valley

A

Rainfall can cause fungal diseases

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7
Q

Four main white grape varieties in the Loire Valley

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon Blanc and Maine

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8
Q

Where is Sauvignon blanc mainly grown (TLV)

A

Central Vineyards and Touraine

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9
Q

Most prestigious appellations for Sauvignon Blanc in the Central Vineyards, soil type and character (TLV)

A

Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, chalky soil, dry style with high acidity, green apple and wet stones

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10
Q

MLF is used to

A

soften acidity

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11
Q

Winemaking style in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume

A

Gentle not adding too much. Stainless steel vats or old oak. MLF for wines grown in cooler climates

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12
Q

Sauvignon blanc appellation south and west of Sancerre and its style

A

Menetou-Salon, similar style to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, gentle

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13
Q

Majority of Sauvignon Blanc comes from (TLV)

A

Touraine

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14
Q

Name of the main appellation in Touraine

A

Touraine

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15
Q

Chenin Blanc profile

A

High acid non-aromatic, can be dry or sweet, still or sparkling

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16
Q

Main sub-regions for Chenin Blanc (TLV)

A

Touraine and Anjou-Saumur

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17
Q

Peculiarity of Chenin Blanc

A

Even within the same bunch, different grapes can be at different levels of ripeness

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18
Q

Types of wine that can be made from Chenin Blanc

A

Dry or sweet, still or sparkling

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19
Q

Barely ripe fruit is used for what type of wine

A

Sparkling

20
Q

Young Chenin Blanc (from TLV) wines contain flavours such as

A

Fresh apple through to tropical fruit

21
Q

Dry Chenin Blanc (from TLV) have what kind of character

A

steely/smoky

22
Q

Sweet Chenin Blanc (from TLV) which flavours and what can it be attributed to

A

Apricot and citrus peel flavours of noble rot

23
Q

Can you age dry/sweet Chenin Blanc

A

yes, for decades

24
Q

Which aromas develop with age in a Chenin Blanc

A

They become richer/rounder aromas of honey toast and hay

25
Q

What causes the differences between vintages and different regions of Chenin Blanc made in The Loire Valley

A

Climate and soil type

26
Q

What type of wines and characters are produced in Vouvray from Chenin Blanc

A

Still (dry - lusciously sweet)

Sparkling

27
Q

Body and flavours/aromas of Chenin Blancs produced in Vouvray and why

A

Cool climate and soil type mean light to medium body and fresh fruity and floral notes

28
Q

What is Saumur renowned for (TLV)

A

Sparkling Chenin Blanc made in the traditional method

29
Q

What is Anjou renowned for (TLV)

A

It’s dry Chenin Blanc that are often matured in new oak

30
Q

Savennieres and Coteaux de Layon have what type of climate, how does this affect their style (TLV)

A

Warmer and drier climate producing medium to full bodied wines with less floral notes

31
Q

Style of Chenin Blanc produced in Savennieres (TLV)

A

full bodied, dry

32
Q

What does the air circulation around Savennieres mean

A

Impedes the growth of noble rot but enables late harvested Chenin Blanc grapes to be used for full-bodied, complex dry wines

33
Q

Coteaux de Layon is renowned for what type of wine (TLV)

A

Sweet Chenin Blanc

34
Q

How does the location of Coteaux de Layon help its reputation (TLV)

A

It is sheltered helping noble rot develop

35
Q

Two smaller appellations within Coteaux de Layon (TLV)

A

Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux, known for some of the best sweet wines in the world

36
Q

Melon Blanc is also referred to as

A

Muscadet

37
Q

How is Melon Blanc suited to cool climates

A

Ripens early and is frost resistant

38
Q

Melon Blanc is mostly grown in which region of The Loire Valley and why

A

Nantais as its close to the sea and is better suited to the cooler climate

39
Q

Most general appellation name for Melon Blanc (TLV)

A

Muscadet

40
Q

Higher regarded appellation for melon blanc (TLV)

A

Muscadet Sevre et Maine

41
Q

Wines produced in Muscadet appellation (flavour, body, character)

A

Dry with medium alcohol (max. 12%), high acidity and light body with subtle green flavours

42
Q

Why is Cabernet Franc suited to the Loire Valley

A

It flowers and ripens early

43
Q

Main sub-regions for Cabernet Franc within Touraine (TLV)

A

Chinon (south)

Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgeil (north)

44
Q

Sandy soils within Touraine produce what type of wine (TLV)

A

Light fruity wines for early drinking

45
Q

Limestone and clay soils facing south produce which kind of wines in Touraine (TLV)

A

fuller bodied, more tannic

46
Q

Western point of red wine production in the Loire Valley (with characters)

A

Saumur and Saumur-Champigny, lighter body and tannin, more fruit

47
Q

Where is Gamay planted within the Loire Valley

A

Touraine and Anjou