18 - The Loire Valley

Question 1

Describe the climate of the Loire Valley?

Answer 1

Overall the climate is cool, but the central vineyards which are well inland have a continental climate whereas the nantais region, with its coastal location, experiences a maritime climate.

Question 2

Why are the vineyards of the Anjou slighter warmer and drier than would be expected so close to the ocean?

Answer 2

They are protected by the Mauges Hills and certain vineyards there benefit from warm stony soils. By comparison Touraine, which further inland, has a cooler wetter climate and clay soils.

Question 3

Due to northern position, what is a common problems for growers?

Answer 3

Fungal disease linked to high levels of rainfall.

Question 4

Because of the weather which vineyards tend do do the best in this region?

Answer 4

Those with a southernerly aspect, generally on the mid slope, and facing the river for extra heat and reflected light.

Question 5

What are the 4 sub regions of the Loire Valley?

Answer 5

• Central Vineyards
• Touraine
• Anjou - Sammur
• Nantais

Question 6

Production of Rosé de Loire and Crémant de Loire is focussed where?

Answer 6

Anjou and Sammur respectively.

Question 7

There is no regional generic appellation for whole of the Loire. However there is however an IGP - Val de Loire that covers the whole region. Describe these wines?

Answer 7

Typically straight forward, displaying freshness, a light body and simple fruit flavours.

Question 8

Name the dominant grape varietals in the Loire Valley?

Answer 8

Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Melon Blanc.

Cabernet Franc and some Pinot Noir but only in very small quantities.

Question 9

Sauvignon Blanc is mainly grown in the central vineyards and Touraine. What are the two most prestigious appellations here?

Answer 9

Sancerre and Pouilly - Fume.

Question 10

Describe the soils and common wine profile for wines from Sancerre and Pouilly - Fume?

Answer 10

Vineyards are located on very chalky, well drained, stony soil. Wines tend to be dry, and high in acidity, with hints of green apple and wet stones. It is said that Pouilly - Fume wines have subtle smoky notes.

Question 11

Which appellation to south west of Sancerre creates more moderately priced wines made in the same style?

Answer 11

Menetou - Salon.

Question 12

Where does the majority of Sauvignon Blanc production come from and what is labelled as?

Answer 12

Touraine and is labelled as “Sauvignon de Touraine”.

Question 13

Chenin Blanc is high acid non aromatic grape varietal that is responsible for the greatest wines of which appellations?

Answer 13

Touraine and Anjou - Sammur.

Question 14

Describe the profile of wines from Vouvray?

Answer 14

They can be dry, sweet or sparkling. Young wines can have flavours from fresh apple to tropical fruit, depending on the ripeness of the grapes. Dry wines can also have a steely, smoky character. The sweet wines often have the apricot and citrus peel flavours of noble rot. Sweet Chenin can age for decades.

Question 15

Describe the wines and soils from Vouvray?

Answer 15

The wines range in style from dry to lusciously sweet. Cool climate and clay soils means that Vouvray tends to be light to medium bodied, with fresh fruity and floral notes. It’s rarely fermented in new oak.

Question 16

Describe the wine and climate of Sammur and Anjou?

Answer 16

Similar to Vouvray in climate and soil. It is renowned as a source of Sparkling Chenin Blanc made by traditional method. Whereas Anjou is better known for dry wines that are often (but not always) matured in new oak.

Question 17

What is the Climate and profile of Savenniéres wine?

Answer 17

Relatively warm dry climate compared with that of Touraine leads to wines that are medium to full bodied, and less floral in style. Savenniéres produces full bodied Chenin Blanc in a dry style. Air circulation around these vineyards impedes development of noble rot, but enables late harvested Chenin to be used for full bodied, complex dry wines. The best wines are noted for their ability to age for decades in the bottle.

Question 18

Sweet wines in the Savenniéres are made where, and why?

Answer 18

Coteaux du Layon. This appellation is located in the sheltered valley of the River Layon where noble rot develops well.

Question 19

What are the two most famous appellations of the Coteaux du Layon?

Answer 19

Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.

Question 20

What is Melon Blanc also known as?

Answer 20

Muscadet or Melon de Bourgogne

Question 21

What makes Melon Blanc a favoured varietal for its region?

Answer 21

It ripens early and is frost resistant. Perfect for the cool climate.

Question 22

The vast majority of Melon Blanc is grown where?

Answer 22

In the Nantais region, mainly to the south of the Loire river.

Question 23

The appellation of Muscadet covers the widest area but what is the most highly regarded area called?

Answer 23

Muscadet Sevré et Maine.

Question 24

Describe the common Muscadet profile?

Answer 24

All wines are dry, with medium alcohol (max strength permitted is 12% abv). Traditionally fermented in large oak vessels but now concrete or stainless steel is dominant. Display high acidity, light body and subtle green fruit flavours. Should be drunk young.

Question 25

What impact does the lees work have on Muscadet (Sévre et Maine) Sur Lie.

Answer 25

Bottled in spring after spending the winter on its lees. The wines have a richer texture. Wine is handle minimally to retain delicacy and freshness.

Question 26

In Touraine Cabernet Franc is grown in Chinon to the south of the Loire and Bourgeil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgeil to the north. Describe the wines?

Answer 26

Light, fruity wines for early drinking come from sandy soils, whereas fuller bodied, more tannic versions come from south facing slopes with limestone and clay soils. Some producers mature in oak and these wines have the capacity to evolve in the bottle over many years.

Question 27

To the west, Saumur and Saumur - Champigny also produce wines from Cabernet Franc. Describe these wines?

Answer 27

Overall the wines tend to be lighter in body and tannin from those in the Touraine appellations, but display juicy berry fruit and sometimes floral notes. Best drunk young, particularly in Saumur and can often be served chilled. There are a few producers making fuller bodied styles that are capable of further ageing.

Question 28

Rosé de Loire can be produced in both Anjou - Saumur and Touraine, but mainly “A-S”. Describe these wines?

Answer 28

Always dry, must have a minimum of 30% Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the blend.

Question 29

Cabernet d’Anjou is a high quality appellation Anjou - Saumur. Describe the common profile of these wines?

Answer 29

Always medium - sweet in style and made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 30

Rosé d’Anjou, another appellation, ehi has less sweet wines, is made predominately from which grapes?

Answer 30

Grolleau, which is blended with Cabernet Franc and other local varieties

Question 31

Describe the common profile of Rosé wines from Touraine?

Answer 31

Made from an array of varietals and are generally dry, fresh and fruity in style.

Question 32

Describe Sancerre Rosé?

Answer 32

Made from Pinot Noir and is usually pale in colour, light in body and dry with delicate fruit flavours.

Question 33

How is Roesé made in the Loire region?

Answer 33

Either by direct pressing or short maceration on the skins. Usually fermented in inert, temp controlled vessels to retain fruit flavours.