D3 - Loire: Central Vineyards

Question 1

The climate of the Central Vineyards (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé) is ___.

What are the main grapes grown here?

Answer 1

• Continental;
• Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir.

Question 2

The rainfall in Central Vineyards is high for a continental climate: __ mm/year.

Answer 2

750mm/year

Question 3

What are the environmental threats in Central Vineyards?

Answer 3

• Spring frost;
• Summertime hail.

Question 4

Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal grape for the Central Vineyards.

It buds __ and ripens __.

Answer 4

Buds late, ripens early

Question 5

In the Central Vineyards, how do row orientation and canopy management affect the flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 5

• Fruit grown in shadier conditions = more green pepper and grassy notes;
• Fruit grown with more sunlight = more tropical fruit flavors.

Question 6

In Central Vineyards, malolactic conversion will often be blocked but some producers choose to allow it.

Why is that?

Answer 6

It depends on the vintage and the winemaker’s desired style.

Question 7

Maximum yields in Sancerre AOC are set at:

• __ hL/ha for white wines;
• __ hL/ ha for rosés;
• __ hL/ha for reds.

Answer 7

• 65 hL/ha for white wines;
• 63 hL/ ha for rosés;
• 59 hL/ha for reds.

Question 8

What 3 things in Sancerre AOC provide moderating influences against frosts in spring?

Answer 8

1. Hillside slopes 200-400m;
2. Loire River;
3. Nearby forests.

Question 9

What are the 3 types of soil found in Sancerre AOC?

Answer 9

1. Caillottes;
2. Terre Blanches;
3. Silex.

Question 10

What are three characteristics of Caillottes soils in Sancerre?

Answer 10

1. Very shallow soils (25–40 mm) over limestone;
2. Said to produce the most aromatic wines that are first to be ready to drink;
3. Said to have less potential for aging in the bottle.

Question 11

What are three characteristics of Terre Blanches soils in Sancerre?

Answer 11

1. Same soil as Chablis (limestone and marl);
2. Slow ripening on these soils which include some of Sancerre’s most famous vineyards: Côte des Monts Damnés, Cul de Beaujeu;
3. Said to produce the most structured wines that need long maturation before they are ready to drink and age well.

Question 12

What are two characteristics of Silex soils in Sancerre?

Answer 12

1. Flinty soils that accumulate heat and lead to early ripening;
2. Said to produce wines with stony or smoky aromas.

Question 13

Name 3 other Sauvignon Blanc AOCs in Central Vineyards besides Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC.

Answer 13

1. Reuilly AOC;
2. Quincy AOC;
3. Menetou-Salon AOC.

Question 14

For the Loire Valley as a whole, négociants are very important – they sell __% of all wine by volume.

Answer 14

50%

Question 15

The distinction between négociants and estates in the Loire Valley has become somewhat blurred over the last 20 years.

What’s going on?

Answer 15

• Négociants are increasingly vinifying their wines themselves rather than relying mainly on buying finished wine, and some have even bought estates;
• An increasing number of family estates have added a négociant side to their business;
• This shift is happening with the recent frosts and hail damage, which have severely reduced crops so buying grapes, juice or wine can be a way of keeping their clients and avoiding severe financial problems.