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
What styles of wine are permitted in the following appellations?
Sancerre AOC Pouilly-Fumé AOC Reuilly AOC Quincy AOC Menetou Salon AOC
Sancerre AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc
Reds from Pinot Noir
Rosés from Pinot Noir
Pouilly-Fumé AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc
Reuilly AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc
Reds from Pinot Noir
Rosés from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris
Quincy AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc (90%) and Sauvignon Gris
Menetou Salon AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc
Reds from Pinot Noir
Rosés from Pinot Noir
Which two Loire Central Valley AOCs only produce white wine?
Which grapes are permitted?
Pouilly-Fumé AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc
Quincy AOC
Whites from Sauvignon Blanc (90%) and Sauvignon Gris
How do Pouilly-Fumé AOC
and Sancerre AOC white wines differ in style?
Pouilly-Fumé AOC tends to be slightly rounder and less aromatic than Sancerre AOC.
Typically Pouilly-Fumé AOC
needs 6 months to a year for the wines to open up
Although there is no cru system in the Central Vineyards, there are some vineyards of significant importance. Name 2
Mont Damnés and Les Belles Dames (Sancerre)
What is the most commercially successful wine in the Loire value in terms of export volumes and value?
Sancerre AOC
Give a typical tasting note for a Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre
Medium (+) intensity Grapefruit, gooseberry, grass High acidity Medium alcohol Medium body Rarely new oak flavours
Typically made in a more restrained style than new world Sauvignon Blanc wines
Give a typical tasting note for a Pinot Noir from Sancerre
Medium ruby Light to medium intensity Raspberry and strawberry High acidity Medium alcohol Medium (-) tannin
Light, fresh style
The appellations of the Central Vineyards in the Loire Valley promote their wines via the _____
Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre (BIVC)
What percentage of sales by volume across the Loire Valley do Negociants, Domaines and Co-ops make up?
Negociants: 50%
Domaines: 40%
Co-ops: 10%
Why might some domaines in the Loire Valley have a negociant side to their business?
If a vintage is affected by frost or hail this can help to meet demand and avoid severe financial problems.
What is Renaissances des Appellations?
Who is the founder?
A worldwide group of biodynamic producers, but with more producers in the Loire than anywhere else.
Nicolas Joly
