Anjou-Saumur Flashcards
Size comparison of Anjou to other regions in Loire Valley
Loire’s largest, most diverse, and most dynamic region
Center of sparkling wine production?
Saumur is the Loire’s center for Sparkling wine production
What kinds of wine does Anjou produce
Sweet/dry interpretations of Chenin Blanc (locally known as Pineau de la Loire). 45% of production is dedicated to Rose and 1/3 of Anjou’s plantings are Cabernet Franc.
Characteristics of Chenin Blanc in Loire Valley (Anjou Blanc AOP)
Slow to ripen, in northerly climates like anjou, the grape maintains persistent, high acidity.
Characteristics of best wines of Savennieres AOP
Best wines develop great complexity and honeyed richness with age
Wines of Savennieres character
100% Chenin Blanc, generally dry, austere and rigid in their youth
Soil type and directional exposure of Savennieres
Steep southern exposure and a unique soil structure composed of blue schist mixed with volcanic debris
Two sub-appellations, long regarded a unofficial grand crus of Savennieres?
Roche aux Monies and Coulee de Serrant (monompole of the rigidly biodynamic Nicolas Joly)
Sweet wine districts of Chenin Blanc
Coteaux du Layon AOP and Coteaux de l’Aubance AOP
Noteworthy appellations for high quality sweet wines within Coteaux du Layon
Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts de Chaume AOP (entitled to the Grand Cru moniker from 2010 harvest forward)
Highly regarded producers of Savennieres that are good addresses for the sweet wines of Quarts du Chaume
Domaine des Baumard and Chateau Pierre-Bise
One of the most respected estates in Bonnezeaux
Chateau des Fesles
Which AOP is a red wine-only appellations within Anjou and what kinds of grapes are used?
Anjou-Villages AOP/Cab Franc with a proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon resulting in strudier and fuller wines
