Cremant de Loire Flashcards

1
Q

How many sparkling appellations does the Loire Valley have in total?

A

7

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2
Q

What percentage of Loire production does sparkling wine account for?

A

13% approx

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3
Q

Where is the centre of production for Cremant de Loire?

A

Saumur

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4
Q

Why is Saumur a centre for sparkling production?

A

Availability of caves suitable for ageing wine - excavated tuff rock

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5
Q

Where is fruit for Cremant de Loire grown?

A

Anjou Saumur and Touraine only - 200km stretch along the river

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6
Q

What effect does the river Loire have on growing conditions?

A

Helps to moderate the temperature

Can cause humidity & lead to fungal disease

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7
Q

Why are excavated tuff caves perfect for ageing wine?

A

Little fluctuation in temperature and humidity

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8
Q

What is the climate in Loire sparkling areas?

A

Cool, mild, maritime - influenced by the Atlantic

Regular temperatures with no extremes

Fungal disaster and untimely rain can be a problem

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9
Q

Describe the soil

Types in the Loire

A

A large region so wide range of soil including clay, limestone, sand, gravel and tuff

Anjou - schist

Touraine - clay

Soils with excessive clay are not included as too cold and lack sufficient drainage

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10
Q

What can be done to protect vines from high lime content in the soil?

A

Specific rootstocks such as Fercal protect against chlorosis

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11
Q

What are the main grape varieties used for Cremant de Loire?

A

Main varieties of the region - Chenin blanc, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, grolleau

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12
Q

What grape is not permitted in cremant de Loire and why?

A

Sauvignon Blanc - aromatic profile not well suited to traditional method

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13
Q

What is the maximum yield for Cremant de Loire?

A

74 HL/ha

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14
Q

Why is the pneumatic press favoured in Cremant de Loire?

A

Creates high quality juice with low phenolics

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15
Q

What are the requirements for Prestige de Loire?

A

White only using Chenin, Cab Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot

Minimum 24 months on lees

Vintage

Brut

Producers must achieve a set of environmental standards within 5 years of starting to produce

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16
Q

What is the Champagne connection in the Loire?

A

Many large producers owned by Champagne companies eg gratien & Meyer is owned by Alfred gratien

17
Q

Why is buying grapes rather than must beneficial?

A

Grape health can be checked

Grapes can be pressed according to specific requirements

18
Q

What percentage of Cremant de Loire is exported?

A

50%