6.0 Loire Valley Flashcards
What is the longest river in France?
Loire River
What are the distinct regions of the Loire Valley?
- Pays Nantais
- Anjou / Saumur
- Touraime
- Central Vienyards
What percentage of the Loire Valley is covered by the Central Vineyards?
10%
Which city gives its name to the Pays Nantais region?
Nantes
What are the principal grapes grown in the Pays Nantais?
- Melon
- Folle Blanche
What is the maximum yield for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC?
55 hL
What type of climate is found in the Pays Nantais?
Cool maritime
What is the only allowed variety in Muscadet appellations?
Melon Blanc
What is the typical style profile for Muscadet wines?
- Low aromatic intensity
- High acid
- Light body
True or False: Muscadet wines are typically high in alcohol.
False
What is the purpose of the Sur Lie winemaking technique?
Adds body to otherwise light-bodied wines
What is the significance of the term ‘négociants’ in the Loire Valley wine business?
Important role in sales, over half of sales
What are the two larger appellations in the Loire Valley?
- Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC
- Muscadet AOC
Fill in the blank: The main grape variety used in Anjou is ______.
Chenin Blanc
What is the maximum yield for Anjou Villages AOC?
55 hL
Which grape variety is primarily used for the sweet wine Coteaux du Layon?
Chenin Blanc
What are the key characteristics of Chenin Blanc wines?
- High acid
- Medium intensity aromas
- Can be dry or sweet
What is the maximum yield for Savennières AOC?
50 hL
What is the primary grape used in Vouvray AOC?
Chenin Blanc
What is the typical composition of a Cabernet Franc wine from the Loire Valley?
- Medium to pronounced red fruit aroma
- Floral notes
- Leafy character
True or False: The Loire Valley has a regional generic appellation like Bordeaux AOC.
False
What does the term ‘Côteaux du Layon’ refer to?
Sweet white wines made primarily from Chenin Blanc
What are the main grape varieties used for rosé wines in the Loire Valley?
- Cabernet Franc
- Grolleau
- Gamay
What is a key feature of the terroir in Anjou?
Clay limestone and flint clay soils
What is the significance of the 1991 spring frost in the Loire Valley?
66% drop in yield
What winemaking practices are common for Cabernet Franc?
- Fermented in concrete or old wood vats
- Ambient yeasts often preferred
What are the typical characteristics of Rosé d’Anjou wines?
- Medium dry
- Low flavour intensity
- Medium pink colour
What is the maximum yield for Coteaux de Saumur?
35 hL
Which grape variety is primarily used in the production of Saumur-Champigny AOC?
Cabernet Franc
What is the main difference between Vouvray and Anjou in terms of sweet wine production?
Vouvray produces dry wines almost every vintage, while Anjou produces sweet wines almost every vintage
What is the typical ageing process for Chenin Blanc wines?
Aged in neutral containers to retain primary fruit aromas
What is the primary use of Grolleau Noir in the Loire Valley?
Blending variety in rosé wines
What is the maximum yield for Touraine AOC?
65 hL
What is the characteristic style of dry rosé produced in the Loire?
Rosé de la Loire
What is the main grape variety used in Bourgueil AOC red wines?
Cabernet Franc with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Bourgueil AOC is known for its high-quality red wines, often produced with lower yields.
What characterizes the wines from Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC?
Lighter style than Bourgueil, primarily made from Cabernet Franc
Similar style and price to Bourgueil.
What is the grape composition of Chinon AOC red wines?
90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Known for a range of styles from light and fruity to structured and powerful.
What are the soil types associated with Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas, and Chinon?
Sandy soils and clay/limestone soils
Sandy soils produce lighter wines, while clay/limestone soils yield more structured and long-lived wines.
What percentage of wine is exported from the Loire Valley?
20%
Anjou-Saumur produces twice as much wine as Touraine.
Which major grape varieties are grown in the Central Vineyards of the Loire?
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay
Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are the best known AOCs in this region.
What is the climate type in the Central Vineyards?
Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers
This climate poses threats such as spring frosts and hailstorms.
What are the primary disease threats to Sauvignon Blanc grapes?
Powdery mildew, bunch rot, Esca, and Eutypa dieback
High vigor and late budding make it susceptible to these diseases.
What is the structure of Sancerre AOC white wines?
Dry with high acid and medium alcohol
Typical aromas include green fruit and citrus.
Fill in the blank: The largest of the Central Vineyard appellations is _______.
Sancerre AOC
It is known for both white and rosé wines.
What is the primary grape used in Pouilly-Fumé AOC?
Sauvignon Blanc
It typically needs more time in the bottle to show its character.
Which AOCs produce red wines in the Loire Valley?
Anjou, Anjou Villages, Saumur, Touraine, Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon
Each AOC has distinct characteristics and grape varieties.
What is the significance of the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins du Centre (BIVC)?
Promotes wines from the Central Vineyards
It helps in marketing and enhancing the reputation of these wines.
What are the main types of production structures in the Loire wine industry?
Négociants, Estates, and Co-operatives
Négociants sell 50% of all wine by volume.
True or False: The Loire Valley is a center for organic and biodynamic winemaking.
True
Nicolas Joly is a notable figure in the biodynamic movement.
What types of wines are produced in the Anjou region?
Red, white, and rosé wines
Includes AOCs like Anjou, Anjou Villages, and Coteaux du Layon.
