Anjou- Saumur & Touraine Flashcards

1
Q

Working east from the coast what are the 4 key regions of the Loire Valley?

A

Pays Nantais

Anjou-Saumur

Touraine

Central Vineyards

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the climate of Anjou Saumur?

A

Continental with some maritime influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the climate of Touraine?

A

Cool Continental - much less maritime influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the average rainfall across Anjou Saumur and Touraine?

When does it fall and what affect does this have on the vines?

A

700mm

Falls throughout the year

Rain in spring can affect flowering and fruit set

Regular summer rain can increase disease pressure

Rain in late summer and early autumn can affect harvest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the name of the River in Anjou?

What affect does this have on the growing environment?

A

The River Layon

The River Layon and its tributaries create misty conditions that are ideal for the spread of botrytis at the end of the growing season, enabling the production of botrytised wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the 6 negative characteristics of Chenin Blanc?

A
  • Early budding (spring frost)
  • Late ripening (autumn rain)
  • Uneven ripening (several passes needed, machin harvest becomes difficult)
  • Prone to powdery mildew
  • Prone to botrytis bunch rot
  • Prone to trunk diseases
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Name the appellations in Anjou in which Chenin Blanc is the main grape.

What style of Chenin Blanc is produced in these appellations?

A

ANJOU AOC Blanc:
Dry

COTEAUX DE LAYON AOC:
Botrytised/ sweet

COTEAUX DE LAYON AOC + NAMED VILLAGE: Botrytised/ sweet

BONNEZEAUX AOC:
Botrytised/ sweet

QUARTS DE CHAUME AOC:
Botrytised/ sweet

SAVENNIÈRES AOC:
Dry

ROCHE AUX MOINES AOC:
Dry

COULÉE DE SERRANT:
Dry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Give a typical tasting note for a dry Chenin Blanc from Anjou Saumur

A
Medium intensity
Green apple, lemon, steely, smoky
High acidity
Medium alcohol
Good to v.good, some outstanding
Inexpensive to mid price, some premium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Which two wines does Grolleau Noir feature as a blending component in in the Loire?

A

Rosé de Loire

Rosé d’Anjou

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the 3 negative characteristics of Cabernet Franc?

A
  • Early budding (spring frost)
  • Prone to coulure (reduces yields)
  • If not fully ripe, can be leafy tasting
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the 2 positive characteristics of Cabernet Franc?

A
  • Winter hardy (suited to cool climates)

- Mid ripening (avoid rain at harvest)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Give a typical tasting note for a Cabernet Franc from Anjou Saumur.

A
Medium to pronounced intensity
Redcurrant, raspberry, violet, graphite
High acidity
Light to medium body
Medium tannins
Medium alcohol
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where might you find Gamay growing in the Loire?

A

Some in Anjou, but mostly around Touraine and the Central Vineyards

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe typical winemaking techniques for dry Chenin Blanc in the Loire.

A
  • Cool to mid range temps
  • Fermentations can last several months
  • Large old oak or stainless steel used as fermentation vessels
  • Avoid MLF
  • Most wines are aged in neutral containers, not new barriques
  • Aim is to retain primary fruit aromas and flavours
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe typical winemaking techniques for Cabernet Franc in the Loire.

A
  • Crushed fruit fermentation
  • Fermentation in concrete or old wooden vats that allow punch downs and/ or pumpovers
  • Aim is retention of primary fruit flavours
  • More expensive wines may see a portion of new French oak barriques
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe typical winemaking techniques for Loire Rosé wines.

A
  • Many Loire Rosé’s are made by direct press
  • Short maceration is used on some
  • Winemaking then proceeds as it would for a white, with short ageing (3 to 4 months) in neutral containers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Which rootstocks are commonly used in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine? Why?

A

Fercal and Riparia Gloire de Montpellier

Soils have high limestone content and these rootstocks are used to protect vines from chlorosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What soils are found in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?

A

Wide range of soils

Clay limestone
Flint-clay
Sand
Gravel
Tuff. 

Overall key properties include the good water retention and drainage of limestone elements.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What wines can be made in Anjou AOC?

How does this differ to Anjou Villages AOC?

A

Blanc: min. 80% Chenin Blanc
Rouge: min. 70% Cab Franc and/ or Cab Sauvignon
Rosé is also made

Anjou Villages AOC is for red wines only, from 100% Cabernet Franc and / or Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are lower for these wines and they are more concentrated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What type of soils are found across Anjou?

A

Schist and limestone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe the topography of Coteaux du Layon AOC. Which two other appellations are contained within it?

A

Large appellation on the steep slopes of the right bank of the Layon River which runs into the Loire

Bonnezeaux AOC
Quarts de Chaume AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the only Grand Cru in the Loire?
What is the only Premier Cru?
What wines do they produce?

A

GRAND CRU: Quarts de Chaume AOC
PREMIER CRU: Coteaux du Layon AOC Chaume

They both produce sweet, botrytised wines from Chenin Blanc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Give a typical tasting note for a wine from Coteaux du Layon AOC, specifying the grape variety used.

A
Chenin Blanc
Pronounced aromas of cooked citrus, apple and honey
Sweet
High acidity
Medium (+) body
Mid priced to premium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

List the following appellations from lowest to highest minimum potential alcohol and from highest to lowest maximum yield.

Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
Coteaux du Layon AOC Chaume 1er Cru
Coteaux du Layon AOC
Coteaux du Layon AOC + named village
Bonnezeaux AOC
A

Coteaux du Layon AOC:
35hl/ha 14% potential alcohol

Coteaux du Layon AOC + named village:
30hl/ha 15% potential alcohol

Bonnezeaux AOC
25hl/ha 15% potential alcohol

Coteaux du Layon AOC Chaume 1er Cru
25hl/ha 16.5% potential alcohol

Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
20hl/ha 18% potential alcohol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Why do producers make more dry white wine than sweet in Vouvray?

A

Demand

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Describe the topography and soils of Savennières AOC.

Describe the style of Chenin Blanc produced in reference to the growing environment.

A

Small but prestigious appellation, steep south facing slopes, with low fertility rocky-schist soils.

Dry Chenin Blanc wines.

Wines are dry, austere and rigid in youth
Develops complexity and richness with age.
Good air circulation around the vines enables late harvest without any noble rot
Steep south-facing slope; excellent exposure, increasing ripeness and potential alcohol.
Low fertility soils: increased concentration

27
Q

Name the two appellations contained within Savennières AOC.

How do these differ to the main AOC?

A

Coulée de Serrant AOC + Roches aux Moines AOC

  • Lower maximum yields (30hl/ha vs. 50hl/ha)
  • Warmer south-facing sites on slopes facing the Loire: riper fruit
28
Q

What are the three rosé wines made in Anjou-Saumur?

Describe how they differ.

A

ROSÉ DE LOIRE AOC:
Dry.
Can be made from a range of varieties inc. Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Grolleau and Gamay.
Wines are usually produced within Anjou Saumur but can be from elsewhere

ROSÉ D’ANJOU AOC:
Medium dry.
Mainly Grolleau but can include the two cabs, Cot and Gamay.

CABERNET D’ANJOU AOC:
Medium dry.
Rosé made from Cab Sauv or Franc only. Wines are typically deeper in colour than most rosés (medium pink)

29
Q

Savennieres and Coteaux du Layon are both made in Anjou-Saumur from Chenin Blanc. How do the wines differ and why?

A
Savennieres
Dry and austere in youth
Complexity and richness with age
Good air circulation around the vines enables late harvest without NR
Steep south-facing slope

Coteaux de Layon
Sweet wine
Lies in a sheltered valley of R. Layon that encourages Noble Rot

30
Q

Why can Chenin Blanc be a pain to harvest and what is the countermeasure?

A

Takes a long time to ripen.

Even within one bunch common for grapes to reach different levels of ripeness.

Several passes through the vineyard might be necessary to pick grapes at desired ripeness.

31
Q

What styles of wine can be produced under the Saumur AOC appellation and from which grapes.

A

Blanc: Chenin Blanc (60hl/ha)

Rouge: Cabernet Franc (57hl/ha)

Rosé: Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (57hl/ha)

Wines of all colours can be low intensity

32
Q

What style of wines can be produced in Saumur-Champigny AOC?

A

Only red wines - min. 85% Cabernet Franc

Mostly easy drinking, fruit forward wines, but there are some premium examples (e.g. Clos Rougeard)

33
Q

Describe the soils in Saumur-Champigny AOC

A

Chalk, flint and clay

Good drainage and good water holding potential

34
Q

What style of wines are produced in Coteaux de Saumur AOC?

What is the maximum yield?

A

Sweet Chenin Blanc wines made from over-ripe grapes, with or without botrytis. Picked with many passes through the vineyard. Lusciously sweet balanced with high acidity.

35hl/ha

35
Q

What styles of wine, and from what grapes, are produced in Touraine AOC?

A

Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Cabernet Franc + Cot
Rosé: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Gamay and Grolleau

In addition to basic Touraine AOC a subzone name can be appended e.g. Touraine AOC Amboise, permitting differences to reflect what is grown locally. So Touraine AOC Amboise Blanc is Chenin Blanc and has lower yields

Gamay is also grown locally; wines are labelled Touraine AOC Gamay

36
Q

What are the maximum yields for the white wine appellations Vouvray and Montlouis-Sur-Loire?

A

52hl/ha

37
Q

Describe the topography and soils in Vouvray.

A

Best slopes are near the Loire: soils are flinty, clay, and limestone over tuff, enabling good drainage.

Away from the river Loire, there is more cool, clay soils which can inhibit ripening.

38
Q

Describe the styles of wine produced in Vouvray AOC.

A

95% Chenin Blanc (most are 100%).

Dry Vouvray is made every vintage, some demi sec most years and sweet wines are rarer (contrast with Anjou where sweet wines are made every vintage).

Unless clearly marked on the label it can be difficult to tell the sweetness level of the wine

39
Q

Where is Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC in relation to Vouvray AOC?

A

It faces the Vouvray appellation from across the river. Most of Montlouis faces the Cher river

40
Q

Describe the styles of wine produced in Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC

A

Dry wines from 100% Chenin Blanc

41
Q

Describe why Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC has become popular with winemakers over the past 30 years.

A

Due to an influx in newcomers over the past 30 years, in part due to vineyard land being cheaper than in Vouvray, this has become a very dynamic appellation with many estates run organically or biodynamically.

42
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Bourgueil AOC, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC and Chinon AOC?

A

BOURGUEIL AOC: Mostly red wines, some rosé. Mostly Cab Franc with up to 10% Cab Sauvignon. Many wines are of high quality and lower than permitted yields

ST-NICOLAS-DE-BOURGUEIL: Lighter style of Cabernet Franc than Bourgueil, similar in style and price to Saumur-Champigny AOC.

CHINON AOC: Best known and highly regarded for red wines. Whites from Chenin Blanc and rosés are also made. Mostly Cab Franc with up to 10% Cab Sauvignon. Many wines are of high quality and lower than permitted yields. Range from light, fruity, early drinking.

43
Q

Describe what additional winemaking decisions might be made for high quality Cabernet Franc wines from Chinon.

How does this affect the style?

A

Longer maceration period (2-3 weeks) and longer ageing ( up to two years).

Wines made with longer maceration periods (especially from good vintages) can age for up to 20 years or more, due to v.good flavour intensity of fruit, high acidity, and medium to medium (+) tannins.

44
Q

How long might a light and fruity example of Cabernet Franc be expected to macerate on skins after fermentation and why?

A

6 to 8 days

Minimise extracting too much tannin, keeping the focus on the primary fruit

45
Q

What types of soils are found in Bourgueil AOC, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC and Chinon AOC?

How do wines from the different soils vary?

A

Sand, gravel, clay and limestone

In general the most structured and concentrated Cab Franc wines are made with grapes grown on clay and limestone soils.

Lighter styles are from sandy, gravelly soils.

46
Q

Name the two most important white wine appellations in Touraine.

A

Vouvray AOC

Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC

47
Q

Name the three most important red wine appellations in Touraine.

A

Bourgueil AOC
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC
Chinon AOC

48
Q

What is the maximum yield for wines from Bourgueil AOC, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC and Chinon AOC?

A

55hl/ha - most quality wines will have lower yields

49
Q

Which wines in the Loire Valley are made from Cabernet Franc?

Which appellation is not in Touraine?

A

Saumur-Champagny AOC (Saumur)
Bourgueil AOC
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC
Chinon AOC

50
Q

Which Loire Valley Rosé style is always dry?

Which are sweet?

A

Dry: Rosé de Loire

Sweet: Cabernet d’Anjou, Rosé d’Anjou

51
Q

Bonnezeaux is a botrytis-affected sweet wine from which sub-region?

A

Coteaux du Layon, within Anjou-Saumur

52
Q

Where is Savennières located?

What kind of exposure does it have?

Soils?

A
  • North bank of the river Loire in Anjou
  • Steep south-facing aspect.
  • Low fertility rocky schist soils
53
Q

What are the 2 sub-appellations of Savennieres, long regarded as unofficial grands crus?

What is unique about 1 of them?

A

Roche Aux Moines

Coulée de Serrant.

Coulée de Serrant is a monople of the biodynamic winemaker Nicolas Joly.

54
Q

Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire are separated by the _____ river.

A

Loire

55
Q

What style constitutes the majority of Anjou wine production?

A

Grolleau-based Rosé

56
Q

St. Nicolas-de-Bourgeil may only produce what kinds of wine?

Based mainly on which grape?

A

Red and Rosé

Cabernet Franc, up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

57
Q

What is the only permitted grape of Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC?

A

Chenin Blanc

58
Q

Producers of dessert wine in the Loire Valley typically make multiple passes through the vineyard during harvest, otherwise known as “_____ successives.”

A

Tries

59
Q

What are the 4 different Sweetness levels of Vouvray AOP?

A

Sec: 0-8 g/L residual sugar.

Demi-Sec: A “half-dry” style with 4-12 g/L

Moelleux: A sweet, often botrytized style with 12-45 g/L. The term Moelleux is French for “mellow”.

Doux: The sweetest style with > 45 g/L.

60
Q

Which region produces more white wine, Anjou-Saumur or Touraine?

A

Touraine

61
Q

Which region produces more red wine, Anjou-Saumur or Touraine?

A

Anjou-Saumur, but only just

62
Q

Which region produces more rose wine, Anjou-Saumur or Touraine?

A

Anjou-Saumur - rose production in Anjou Saumur is larger than Touraine’s entire production

63
Q

What percentage of wine from Anjou-Saumur and Touraine is exported?

A

20%