Chapter 18 - The Loire Valley

Question 1

Basic climate and grape growing conditions in the Loire Valley

Answer 1

• Diverse range of wines. Sub-regions of Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, Nantais
• Val de Loire covers the whole region. Freshness, light body and simple flavours
• Nantais martime climate, Central Vineyards more continental climate.
• Vintages vary widely because of the climate. Fungal diseases can be problems
• Areas with lots of sunshine most desirable

Question 2

White grape varieties

Answer 2

• Sauvignon Blanc: Central Vineyard and Touraine. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. chalky, drained stony soil. High acidity, green apple, wet stone flavour. Chavignol and Les Monts Damnés examples of expressive Sancerre. Can evolve, but generally not for ageing
• Menetou-Salon: more moderately priced Sauvignon Blancs
• Touraine: biggest area for Sauvignon Blanc, more fruity and simple style
• Chenin Blanc: best wines in Touraine and Anjou-Saumur. Bunches of grapes often have different levels of ripeness. Dry, sweet, still or sparkling wines. Barely ripe wine for sparkling wine, riper wines for other styles. Fresh apple through to tropical fruit, depending on ripeness
• Vouvray: still and sparkling Chenin Blanc. Dry to sweet styles. Light to medium body, fresh fruity, floral notes, rarely fermented in oak
• Saumur/Anjou: known for sparkling Chenin Blanc
• Savennières: warm climate, medium- to full-bodied, less floral in style
• Chateau du Layon: most renowned sweet wines
• Melon Blanc/Muscadet: prone to frost, Nantais region, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine as best example
• Muscadet Sur Lie: specialty from the area. Lees contact gives richer texture, handled very little to retain delicacy and freshness

Question 3

Red grape varieties in the Loire Valley

Answer 3

• Cabernet Franc: Touraine (Chinon/Bourgueil). Sand soils for lighter wines, clay soils for more full-bodied wines
• Saumur-Champigny: lighter body and tannins than Touraine. Light styles, often served chilled
• Gamay, Pinot Noir: planted, but rarely

Question 4

Rosé wine styles in the Loire Valley

Answer 4

• Mainly from Anjou-Saumur, but also from Touraine and Sancerre
• Rosé de Loire: produced mainly in Anjou-Saumur. Dry, min 30% Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet d’Anjou: highest quality, medium-sweet
• Rosé d’Anjou: less sweet. Made of Grolleau blended with Cabernet Franc
• Sancerre rosé: made from Pinot Noir, pale in colour, light in body, delicate fruit flavours
• Wines made either by direct pressing or short maceration on the skins