Central Vineyards: Loire Valley Flashcards
Name the five principle appellations in the Loire Central Vineyards
Sancerre AOC Pouilly-Fumé AOC Reuilly AOC Quincy AOC Menetou Salon AOC
Describe the climate in the Loire Central Vineyards, including rainfall and light intensity
Continental climate: cold winters and warm summers
Long days during the growing season
Low light intensity and lower temperatures means that the final flavours in the wines tend to be more restrained
High rainfall for a continental climate: 750mm
What weather hazards are common in Loire Central Vineyards?
Spring frost
Summer hail
Rainfall (fungal disease pressure)
How many AOCS total in Loire Central Vineyards?
8
Describe the topography of Sancerre.
What affect do these elements have on the appellation?
Steep hillside slopes (200m-400m)
Close to the river Loire
Near to forests.
These provide a moderating influence and protection from spring frosts
Is the risk of frost higher or lower in Pouilly- Fumé than in Sancerre? Why?
Higher frost risk in Pouilly- Fumé
Land is flatter in Pouilly- Fumé than Sancerre.
Some growers install wind machines for protection
Describe topography and aspect of Menetou-Salon AOC.
Vines are planted on gentle south-facing slopes making them more vulnerable to frost than in Sancerre.
How can row orientation affect the flavours of Sauvignon Blanc in Loire Central Vineyards?
Shadier conditions: results in more herbaceous green pepper and grassy aromas
Sunnier conditions: more tropical fruit flavours
What percentage of plantings in Loire Central Vineyards are Sauvignon Blanc?
70%
Describe the three main types of soils found in Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC and what type of wines are produced from them.
CAILLOTTES:
V. shallow soils over limestone producing aromatic, early drinking wines.
TERRES BLANCHES: Same limestone and marl soils as found in Chablis (Kimmeridgean). These slow ripening and produce the most structured wines that need long maturation before they are ready to drink. These age well in bottle. Soils are found in Mont Damnés and Cul de Beaujeu
SILEX:
Flinty soils that accumulate heat, leading to early ripening. Includes Les Romains, next to the Loire. Produces smoky mineral wines
What is the maximum yield for white wines from Loire Central Valley (all AOCs)?
How does this affect the fruit concentration in the final wines?
65hl/ha
While max. permitted yields are high, Sauvignon Blanc can produce wines with sufficient flavour intensity at this level.
What is the maximum yield for red wines from Loire Central Valley (all AOCs)?
How does this affect the fruit concentration in the final wines?
59hl/ha
Reduced yields are needed to produce Pinot Noir with more intensity.
Describe typical winemaking practices for Sauvignon Blanc producers in the Loire Central Vineyards.
- Fermentation temperatures are typically higher than in New World: upper end of cool to lower part of mid-range for a more restrained fruit expression
- MLF is often blocked to retain acidity (some may allow, depends on style and vintage)
- Quality wines may be aged in old oak casks to fill out the body, typically without any new oak
Which Loire Central Valley producer uses old oak and extensive lees work, producing Sauvignon Blanc made to age?
François Cotat
Which Loire Central Valley producer produces a heavily oaked Sauvignon Blanc in his range?
Henri Bourgeois
