Anjou-Saumur / Touraine Flashcards
What are the principle grape varieties of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine? What types of wine are they used for?
Chenin Blanc for still and sparkling white wines at multiple sweetness levels
Cabernet Franc for dry, still red wines and as a contributor to rosé
Sauvignon Blanc for dry white wines, primarily in Touraine
What is he influence of the Atlantic Ocean on Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
It is a moderating influence that decreases steadily from Anjou-Saumur to Touraine. Touraine has higher temperature variations between winter and summer.
Does Touraine have a maritime or continental climate?
Continental with warm summers and cold winters
How much rainfall is received in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine? When does it fall and what effect does it have?
700mm distributed throughout the year, which can lead to problems at fruit set during the spring, disease pressure in the summer, and diluted yields during harvest
Are the best sites in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine used for sparkling or still wines? Why?
Still wines due to the additional ripeness required to produce them
Where in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine are botrytized wines most common? Why?
In Anjou, the Layon River and its tributaries create moist conditions that facilitate the spread of noble rot
What soils can be found in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
A wide range, including clay-limestone, flint-clay, dand, gravel, and tuff
What general differences are there between the soils of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
There is more schist and limestone in Anjou-Saumur. Touraine has more chalky soils.
What are the key properties of the soil in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine that permit quality winemaking?
Good drainage and water retention, characteristics of limestone elements in the soil
Which rootstocks are most commonly used in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine? Why?
Fercal and Riparia Gloire de Montpelier, due to their resistance to low Ph soils created by the limestone elements and the risk of Chlorosis to the grapevines
Is Chenin Blanc early, mid, or late budding?
Early
What is Chenin Blanc’s vigor and yield?
It is vigorous and high yielding
What is Chenin Blanc susceptible to?
Powdery mildew
Botrytis (positively and negatively)
Trunk diseases
Is Chenin Blanc early or late ripening?
Late ripening, which makes it susceptible to Autumn rains
What feature of Chenin Blanc requires multiple passes in the vineyard during harvest? How does this affect viticulture and pricing?
It ripens unevenly. As such, it must be picked by hand over a long period, adding to cost.
What is the general character of still, dry and off-dry Chenin Blanc wines from the middle Loire?
Some residual sugar
High acid
Medium alcohol
Medium intensity green apple, lemon, and sometimes a smoky/flinty character
What is the quality and pricing of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
Some outstanding, premium quality examples
Is Cabernet Franc early, mid, or late budding?
Early
What is Cabernet Franc susceptible to?
Coulure
Is Cabernet Franc an early, mid, or late ripening variety?
Mid, which allows it to avoid autumn rains
What aromas are typical of less-than-ripe Cabernet Franc?
Excessive leafy aromas
What factors have led to a reduction in overly herbaceous Loire Valley Cabernet Franc?
Better canopy management
Warmer summers
What makes Cabernet Franc suitable for cultivation in cool climates?
It is winter hardy
What is the typical character of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc wines?
High acid
Medium tannins
Light to medium body
Medium to pronounced red fruit (red currant, raspberry) and floral (violet) aromas
Is Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley used to make varietal or blended wines?
Typically varietal wines though it is a blending component in rosé wines and blended with Cot (Malbec) in Eastern Touraine, the limit of its ripening area
What are the budding and ripening characters of Grolleau Noir?
Early budding
Mid ripening
What is Grolleau Noir susceptible to?
Botrytis bunch rot
How is Grolleau Noir used in the Loire Valley?
As a blending component in rosé, especially in Rosé d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire
Where in the Loire Valley is Gamay grown?
Primarily in Touraine and the Central Vineyards, though there are some plantings in Anjou
What technique is used to produce Gamay wines in the Loire Valley?
It is generally carbonic maceration
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Loire Valley? Why?
In the warmest sites in Anjou. It is a late ripening variety and needs more warmth to allow for the buds to open early
How is Cabernet Sauvignon used in the Loire Valley?
As a blending component for Cab Franc dominant red wines and for rosé blends
At what temperatures is Chenin Blanc fermented at? What effect does this have on the duration of the ferment?
Cool to mid-range temperatures, leading to a fermwntationnthat can last several months
What are the typical fermentation vessels used for Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley?
Large old oak barrels
Stainless steel tanks
Is malolactic conversion permitted in Loire Valley Chenin Blanc winemaking?
It is typically avoided
What type of vessel is used to mature Chenin Blanc wines in the Loire Valley prior to bottling? Why?
Any large, neutral vessel. The goal is to retain primary fruit aromas, which is also why malolactic conversion is prevented.
How is Canernet Franc pressed and fermented in the Loire Valley?
Crushed and then fermented in concrete or old oak that permits pushing down or pumping over
What are the budding and ripening characteristics of Grolleau Noir?
Early budding, mid ripening
What is Grolleau Noir susceptible to?
Botrytis
How is Grolleau Noir used in the Loire Valley?
As a blending component in rosés, especially Rosé d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire
How is Gamay wine typically produced in the Loire Valley?
By carbonic maceration
Where is Gamay typically grown in the Loire Valley?
Primarily in Touraine and the Central Vineyards, though some plantings exist in Anjou
Where in the Loire Valley is Cabernet Sauvignon grown?
Primarily in Anjou where the climate is most temperate, and only then in the warmest sites that permit budding
What types of wine is Cabernet Sauvignon used to produce in the Loire Valley?
It is usually blended with Cabernet Franc or used in rosé
At what temperatures is Chenein Blanc typically fermented at for Loire Valley wine production? How long does the fermentation last?
Cool to mid range temperatures, which can take several months to complete
What types of vessels are used for the fermentation of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc?
Large old oak or stainless steel vessels
Is malolactic conversion permitted in the production of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc wines? Why or why not?
No, as the goal of winemaking is to preserve primary characteristics
What type of vessels are used to mature Loire Valley Chenin Blanc?
Any neutral vessel
How is Cabernet Franc typically processed and fermented in the Loire Valley?
It is typically crushed and fermented in concrete or old wood that permits cap management
True or False
The principle cap management technique used in Loire Valley Cabernet Franc winemaking is punching down.
False. Winemakers may use either punching down or pumping over. There is no standard practice.
Where do Loire Valley Cabernet Franc producers source their yeast?
Many prefer to use ambient yeasts
How are Loire Valley Cabernet Franc wines typically matured?
In neutral oak vessels in a range of sizes, though some more expensive examples may see new oak
What is the goal of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc winemaking?
To maintain primary fruit aromas, though some more expensive options will see new oak
How are many Loire Valley rosés produced?
By direct press, with some seeing short maceration.
How is winemaking conducted for rosé in the Loire Valley? How long is the usual maturation time?
It is the same as with white wine (cool to mid ferment temp, neutral vessel for ferment and maturation), though maturation times are shorter (3-4 months)
What are the key AOC of Anjou?
Anjou / Anjou Villages Coteaux du Layon Bonnezeaux Quarts de Chaume Savennières Savennières La Roche aux Moines Coulée de Serrant Rosé de Loire Rosé d'Anjou Cabernet d'Anjou
What is the maximum yield allowed in Anjou AOC?
60hl/ha for white and red wines
67 hl/ha for rosé
What is the minimum varietal composition of Anjou AOC white and red wines?
White: 80% Chenin Blanc
Red: 70% Cab Franc and/or Cab Sauv
Describe the wines made under the Anjou Villages AOC.
Red still wines only. They must be entirely Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the production requirements for Anjou Villages AOC wines?
Still red wines made entirely from Cab Franc and/or Cab Sauv with maximum yields of 55 hl/ha. They cannot be released until the first september after harvest.
What’s the deal with Coteaux du Layon AOC?
It’s an appellation located on the slopes of the Layon River’s right bank. It produces botrytized or late harvest sweet Chenin Blanc wines.
What characteristic of Chenin Blanc allows lusciously sweet wines to be produced in a balanced style?
The grape’s naturally high acidity
True or False
Coteaux du Layon AOC does not have any village level appellations
False. Each village also requires stricter yield and potential alcohol controls than the general appellation
How is harvest conducted for Coteaux du Layon wines?
By hand, usually in multiple passes to ensure only botrytized grapes are picked
What is the typical character of Coteaux du Layon wines?
Sweet
High acid
Medium (+) body
Medium alcohol
Pronounced cooked citrus, apple, honey notes
What are the typical quality and pricing of Coteaux du Layon wines?
Good to very good
Mid priced to premium
What are Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume?
Appellations withing the Coteaux du Layon AOC with a high reputation for sweet Chenin Blanc wines
How do regulations on potential alcohol and yield for Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume compare to Coteaux du Layon?
Bonnezeaux has stricter regulations (higher potential ABV, lower yields)
Quarts de Chaume requires higher potential ABV but also permits higher yields
What was the first Grand Cru designated in the Loire Valley?
Quarts de Chaume AOC
What has been the market performance of sweet Loire Valley wines in the market?
They have generally been difficult to sell due to a lack of interest in sweet wines
What is Savennières?
A small appellation in the Loire Valley for dry Chenin Blanc wines
What quality of wine is produced in Savennières AOC? Why?
Concentrated wines with ripe flavors due to the southern aspect and low fertility soils composed of rocky schist. Yields are low in this area
True or False
The wines of Savennières AOC typically have low acid and high alcohol levels
False. They have high acid and high alcohol
What is the traditional style of Savennières wine? How does it compare to the modern style?
They have traditionally been austere in youth and required bottle age, but with warmer weather and better canopy management these wines are more approachable now
Is new oak commonly used in Savennières wines?
No, but some are using it as a portion of a premium offering
What are Savennières La Roche aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant?
Smaller appellations within Savennières that benefit from warmer, south-facing aspects on the Loire River.
What are the maximum yields for Savennières, Savennières La Roche aux Moines, and Coulée de Serrant appellations?
50 hl/ha for Savennières
30 hl/ha Savennières La Roche aux Moines, and Coulée de Serrant
What is unique about Coulée de Serrant AOC?
It is a Monopole owned by Nicolas Joly, a leader in the biodynamic movement
Which area of the Loire Valley is a significant zone of production for rosé wines?
Anjou-Saumur
What are the production requirements for Rosé de Loire AOC?
Dry wine made from a range of varieties including Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Grolleau Noir, and Gamay. Maximum yield is 60 hl/ha. It can be made outside Anjou-Saumur but rarely is.
Describe Rosé d’Anjou.
A medium dry rosé made from an appellation of the same name. It is primarily Grolleau based, but may be/include Cabernet, Cot, or Grolleau. 65 hl/ha max yields can lead to low aromatic intensity
Describe the character of Rosé d’Anjou wines.
Medium pink-orange
Medium dry
Medium (+) acid
Medium alcohol
Medium intensity red berry fruit
What is the quality and pricing of Rosé d’Anjou wines?
Acceptable to good with some very good
Inexpensive to mid priced
What is Cabernet d’Anjou?
A medium dry rosé made entirely from Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are typically darker colored than other Loire Valley rosé.
Which is the most popular of the Loire Valley rosé appellations?
Rosé d’Anjou AOC
What is Saumur AOC?
An appellation for dry white, rosé, and red wines as well as sparkling wines.
What grapes are used in the wines of Saumur AOC?
Chenin Blanc for white wines
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon for rosé wines
Cabernet Feanc for red wines
What are the maximum yields of Saumur AOC? What effect does this have on aromatic intensity?
60 hl/ha for white wines and 57 hl/ha for rosé and red wines, leading to low aromatic intensity
What is Coteaux de Saumur AOC?
An appellation within Saumur AOC for sweet wines, botrytized or not, made of Chenin Blanc
What types of wines are made in Saumur-Champigny AOC?
Dry red wines from 85% Cabernet Franc
What is the typical character of Saumur-Champigny wine?
Pale ruby Dry High acid Medium alcohol Medium tannins Med to med (+) intensity red currant, sometimes leafy
What type of soil is found in Saumur-Champigny AOC? What effect does thisnjave on viticulture?
Chalk, flint, and clay rich soils that offer good drainage and water retention. These soils release water during dry periods.
Are the wines of Saumur-Champigny intended to be drunk young or aged?
Most should be consumed young
When did the wines of Saumur-Champigny become successful?
In the 1970s when Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg (now Cave Robert et Marcel) championed a light, easy drinking style of wine
What is the typical quality and pricing of Saumur-Champigny wine?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
What types of wines are produced in Touraine AOC?
Still white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines
What varieties are typically used in the still wines of Touraine AOC?
White: Sauvignon Blanc
Rosé: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Grolleau
Red: Cabernet Franc, Cot, and Gamay
True or False
A Touraine AOC wine may be made with a majority of Gamay and include the grape name on the label
True
How many subzones of Touraine AOC are there? What differences do they have from Touraine AOC?
There are six but I guess WSET doesn’t think they’re important enough to list.
The subzones have different permissions for the balance of varieties used in their wines (Amboise uses Chenin Blanc instead of Sauvignon Blanc)
What is the most important appellation in Touraine?
Vouvray AOC
What types of wine are made in Vouvray AOC?
Still white wines made from 95% (min) Chenin Blanc, though most are 100%.
Dry is made every year, with demi-sec produced every few years and sweet styles being rare
Where are the best vineyard sites in Vouvray AOC? Why?
South facing vineyards overlooking the Loire. Sunlight reflects off of the river to promote sunlight interception and the river itself moderates temperature.
What soils can be found in Vouvray AOC?
Flinty, clay, and limestone over tuff
What is the difference in climate between Anjou and Vouvray? What effect does this have on wine output?
Anjou is warmer, permitting sweeter styles to be made every year
Where is Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC located?
On the southern Loire across from Vouvray AOC
What type of wine is made in Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC?
Still white wines made entirely from Chenin Blanc. They are similar in style to Vouvray.
What has been the history of winemaking in Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC over the past 30 years?
There has been an influx of winemakers which has created a dynamic appellation with considerable organic and biodynamic production
What are the three important red wine appellations in Touraine?
Chinon AOC
Borgueil AOC
St.-Nicolas-de-Borgueil AOC
What types of wines are made in Borgueil AOC?
Mainly red, though rosé is also produced. 90% minimum Cab Franc and 10% maximum Cab Sauv
What is the maximum yield permitted in Borgueil AOC?
55 hl/ha, which offers low aromatic intensity if picked close to the maximum. Many wines are harvested at lower yields.
What wines are made in St.-Nicholas-de-Borgueil AOC?
Cabernet Franc wines in a lighter style than Borgueil AOC, similar in style and price to Saumur-Champigny AOC
What types of wines are made in Chinon AOC?
White, rosé, and red wines. Whites are made with Chenin Blanc, rosé and reds with Cab Franc and Cab Sauv (10% max)
What is the maximum yield permitted in Chinon AOC?
55 hl/ha, though higher quality wines are picked at lower yields
Are Chinon AOC wines generally intended for early consumption or bottle aging?
Either. A range of quality is produced there.
What soils in Chinon AOC produce the most structured and concentrated grapes?
Generally the limestone and clay soils
True or False
The majority of Cabernet Franc wines from Chinon AOC are intended to be consumed young
True, though some examples can benefit from up to 20 years of aging
What is the general character of the best of Chinon AOC’s Cabernet Franc red wines?
Dry
High Acid
Medium to medium (+) tannins
Very good intensity of fruit aromas
What is the typical quality and pricing of Chinon AOC red wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid priced, with a few premium examples
What soil types can be found in Borguiel, St.-Nicolas-de-Borgueil, and Chinon AOC?
Sand
Gravel
Clay-Limestone
Which soil type produces the lightest style of red wine in Touraine? Which produces the most concentrated?
Sandy and gravelly soils produce the lightest styles
Clay-limestone soils produce the most concentrated
How much more rosé is produced in Touraine than in Anjou-Saumur?
Trick question.
Anjou-Saumur produces over ten times as much rosé as Touraine.
Between Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, which produces the most sparkling wine?
Anjou-Saumur
True or False
Touraine produces significantly more white and red wine than Anjou-Saumur
True
How much of the wine production of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine is exported?
Just under 20%
What percentage of vineyard area in the Loire is Anjou-Saumur?
37%
What percentage of vineyard area in the Loire is Touraine?
31%
