6.0 Loire Valley Flashcards

1
Q

What is the longest river in France?

A

Loire River

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2
Q

What are the distinct regions of the Loire Valley?

A
  1. Pays Nantais
  2. Anjou / Saumur
  3. Touraime
  4. Central Vienyards
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3
Q

What percentage of the Loire Valley is covered by the Central Vineyards?

A

10%

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4
Q

Which city gives its name to the Pays Nantais region?

A

Nantes

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5
Q

What are the principal grapes grown in the Pays Nantais?

A
  • Melon
  • Folle Blanche
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6
Q

What is the maximum yield for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC?

A

55 hL

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7
Q

What type of climate is found in the Pays Nantais?

A

Cool maritime

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8
Q

What is the only allowed variety in Muscadet appellations?

A

Melon Blanc

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9
Q

What is the typical style profile for Muscadet wines?

A
  • Low aromatic intensity
  • High acid
  • Light body
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10
Q

True or False: Muscadet wines are typically high in alcohol.

A

False

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11
Q

What is the purpose of the Sur Lie winemaking technique?

A

Adds body to otherwise light-bodied wines

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12
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘négociants’ in the Loire Valley wine business?

A

Important role in sales, over half of sales

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13
Q

What are the two larger appellations in the Loire Valley?

A
  • Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC
  • Muscadet AOC
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14
Q

Fill in the blank: The main grape variety used in Anjou is ______.

A

Chenin Blanc

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15
Q

What is the maximum yield for Anjou Villages AOC?

A

55 hL

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16
Q

Which grape variety is primarily used for the sweet wine Coteaux du Layon?

A

Chenin Blanc

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17
Q

What are the key characteristics of Chenin Blanc wines?

A
  • High acid
  • Medium intensity aromas
  • Can be dry or sweet
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18
Q

What is the maximum yield for Savennières AOC?

A

50 hL

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19
Q

What is the primary grape used in Vouvray AOC?

A

Chenin Blanc

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20
Q

What is the typical composition of a Cabernet Franc wine from the Loire Valley?

A
  • Medium to pronounced red fruit aroma
  • Floral notes
  • Leafy character
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21
Q

True or False: The Loire Valley has a regional generic appellation like Bordeaux AOC.

A

False

22
Q

What does the term ‘Côteaux du Layon’ refer to?

A

Sweet white wines made primarily from Chenin Blanc

23
Q

What are the main grape varieties used for rosé wines in the Loire Valley?

A
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Grolleau
  • Gamay
24
Q

What is a key feature of the terroir in Anjou?

A

Clay limestone and flint clay soils

25
Q

What is the significance of the 1991 spring frost in the Loire Valley?

A

66% drop in yield

26
Q

What winemaking practices are common for Cabernet Franc?

A
  • Fermented in concrete or old wood vats
  • Ambient yeasts often preferred
27
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Rosé d’Anjou wines?

A
  • Medium dry
  • Low flavour intensity
  • Medium pink colour
28
Q

What is the maximum yield for Coteaux de Saumur?

A

35 hL

29
Q

Which grape variety is primarily used in the production of Saumur-Champigny AOC?

A

Cabernet Franc

30
Q

What is the main difference between Vouvray and Anjou in terms of sweet wine production?

A

Vouvray produces dry wines almost every vintage, while Anjou produces sweet wines almost every vintage

31
Q

What is the typical ageing process for Chenin Blanc wines?

A

Aged in neutral containers to retain primary fruit aromas

32
Q

What is the primary use of Grolleau Noir in the Loire Valley?

A

Blending variety in rosé wines

33
Q

What is the maximum yield for Touraine AOC?

A

65 hL

34
Q

What is the characteristic style of dry rosé produced in the Loire?

A

Rosé de la Loire

35
Q

What is the main grape variety used in Bourgueil AOC red wines?

A

Cabernet Franc with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bourgueil AOC is known for its high-quality red wines, often produced with lower yields.

36
Q

What characterizes the wines from Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC?

A

Lighter style than Bourgueil, primarily made from Cabernet Franc

Similar style and price to Bourgueil.

37
Q

What is the grape composition of Chinon AOC red wines?

A

90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Known for a range of styles from light and fruity to structured and powerful.

38
Q

What are the soil types associated with Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas, and Chinon?

A

Sandy soils and clay/limestone soils

Sandy soils produce lighter wines, while clay/limestone soils yield more structured and long-lived wines.

39
Q

What percentage of wine is exported from the Loire Valley?

A

20%

Anjou-Saumur produces twice as much wine as Touraine.

40
Q

Which major grape varieties are grown in the Central Vineyards of the Loire?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay

Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are the best known AOCs in this region.

41
Q

What is the climate type in the Central Vineyards?

A

Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers

This climate poses threats such as spring frosts and hailstorms.

42
Q

What are the primary disease threats to Sauvignon Blanc grapes?

A

Powdery mildew, bunch rot, Esca, and Eutypa dieback

High vigor and late budding make it susceptible to these diseases.

43
Q

What is the structure of Sancerre AOC white wines?

A

Dry with high acid and medium alcohol

Typical aromas include green fruit and citrus.

44
Q

Fill in the blank: The largest of the Central Vineyard appellations is _______.

A

Sancerre AOC

It is known for both white and rosé wines.

45
Q

What is the primary grape used in Pouilly-Fumé AOC?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

It typically needs more time in the bottle to show its character.

46
Q

Which AOCs produce red wines in the Loire Valley?

A

Anjou, Anjou Villages, Saumur, Touraine, Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon

Each AOC has distinct characteristics and grape varieties.

47
Q

What is the significance of the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins du Centre (BIVC)?

A

Promotes wines from the Central Vineyards

It helps in marketing and enhancing the reputation of these wines.

48
Q

What are the main types of production structures in the Loire wine industry?

A

Négociants, Estates, and Co-operatives

Négociants sell 50% of all wine by volume.

49
Q

True or False: The Loire Valley is a center for organic and biodynamic winemaking.

A

True

Nicolas Joly is a notable figure in the biodynamic movement.

50
Q

What types of wines are produced in the Anjou region?

A

Red, white, and rosé wines

Includes AOCs like Anjou, Anjou Villages, and Coteaux du Layon.