CRÉMANT - Loire Flashcards
How many sparkling wine appellations in the Loire?
there are 8 in the Loire
Name three of the most important sparkling wine appellations in the Loire
sparkling wine of Vouvray, sparkling wine of Saumur and Crémant de Loire
What is the business link between crémant de Loire (CdL) , sparkling Saumur and some of the champagne houses?
-Langlois-Chateau is majority owned by Bollinger
Taittinger has previously owned wineries in the region as has Alfred Gratien
What % of wines in the Loire are sparkling?
13% are sparkling
How much has vineyard area declared for crémant de Loire increased between 2012 to 2017?
31% increase from 1600ha to 2100ha
Which two districts form the only source of fruit for crémant?
Anjou-Saumur and Touraine
Which of the districts and in which area of that district produces the most fruit for crémant?
South and SE Saumur
Whats the annual average production of CdL over the past 5 years?
112 000 hl
What is the climate in the CdL delimited area and what structural features does it provide in the final wine?
- Cool with Atlantic influences extending through most of the region.
- Low potential alcohol and high acidity
Which hazards are offered by the weather?
- Untimely rain at flowering, fruit set or harvest
- Fungal diseases
How long is the CdL region?
about 200km
What are soils like in CdL area?
They differ as it is a vast area.
- limestone-clay
- flint-clay
- sand
- gravel
- tuff
What are the principle advantages of the soils in the region in terms of water?
High lime an chalk soils drain well and retain water well
How were the tuff caves formed and why are they useful?
Tuff was excavated for use as a building material (see Loire castles).
They resulting cellars provide a stable year long temperature and humidity for ageing sparkling wine on the lees
Are clay sites favoured?
No. The soils are too cool and lack drainage
High lime soils require specialist rootstocks. Name two.
- Riparia Gloire de Montpelier
- Fercal
What is the principle grape used for CdL?
Chenin Blanc
Name other grapes used for CdL
- Cab franc
- Cab sauvignon
- Pineau d’Aunis
- Grolleau Noir
- Grolleau Gris
- Pinot Noir
What % of Cab sav and Pinot d’Aunis are allowed in the CdL blend?
maximum of 30% separately or together
What is the maximum yield in CdL?
74hl/ha which is higher than for still wine
When do producers declare how much yield will be given over to sparkling wine production?
July for crémant
winemaking:
what is the most common press used?
-pneumatic press
winemaking:
Is oak barrel fermentation used at all making CdL
yes. In mid to premium priced bottles
eg. Bouvet Ladubay prestige offering - Cuvee Trésor)
Wine Laws:
What is the Prestige de Loire and give three of its rules
- a top tier level of CdL, Anjou, Samur and Vouvray appellation
- PRICE: wines priced over Eu10
- LEES: minimum 24 month lees ageing
- STYLES: white wines only
- GRAPE:S CB, CF, Chardonnay only (single or blend)
- SUSTAINABILITY: winemakers must achieve an environmental standard as a commitment to sustainability
wine business: How is CdL production is dominated by which group?
The top 9 merchant houses are responsible for 80% of production
winemaking:
which style uses reserve wines?
prestige ones like Cuvée Trésor
wine business:
How much CdL is sold domestically and how much exported?
50:50 split like in Champagne
wine business:
What are the main export markets for CdL
Germany, USA, UK
how much land under vine is given over to Samur vs Vouvray Mousseaux (annual average)?
1300 ha vs 1200 ha
Which grape is permitted in SM but not in CdL?
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the difference in harvesting methods and the amount of press wine extracted for mousseux and crémant?
Mousseux is mechanically harvested and more press wine can be extracted (100l/130 kg)
What grapes may be used in Samur Mousseaux?
white sparkling - minimum 60% CB and max 20% SB
rose - minimum 60% CF and max 20% SB
What grapes may be used for Vouvray Mousseaux?
CB dominant but may blend in a minor amount of ORBOIS, a local grape
What is the max yield for Samur vs Vouvray mousseaux?
67hl/ha vs 65hl/ha
Why do still wine makers in Samur and Vouvray make sparkling wines?
Insurance policy., early picking means avoidance of rains later in the season
Why do CdL quality minded merchants buy in grapes and not must (eg Bouvet Ladubay)
-So they can select the healthy grapes and increase the quality of the final product
