FR - Loire Flashcards
Which river is considered France’s longest and runs 629 miles?
The Loire
It flows from the Massif Central to the Atlantic, making it the longest in France.
Which three major white grape varieties are considered classic in the Loire Valley?
Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne
They are the key white grapes of the region.
Name two secondary white grapes grown in the Loire Valley.
Chardonnay and Orbois (Menu Pineau)
Others include Romorantin, Gros Plant (Folle Blanche), and Chasselas.
True/False: The Loire Valley produces more white wine than any other French region.
True
It is France’s leading region for white wine volume.
Which style of wine does the Loire Valley rank second in producing, behind Champagne?
Sparkling wine
Crémant de Loire, Saumur Mousseux, and Vouvray Mousseux are key examples.
What is the local synonym for Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley?
Breton
It is widely used in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine.
Which four AOPs are dedicated to Melon de Bourgogne in the Pays Nantais?
Muscadet, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire, Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu
These form the core of Muscadet production.
Why did Melon de Bourgogne gain prominence in the Pays Nantais after 1709?
A severe frost destroyed many vines, and a ban on red grapes encouraged more white plantings
Melon thrived in the cool, maritime climate.
How does ‘sur lie’ aging affect Muscadet’s profile?
It adds complexity, richness, and a slight sparkle
The wine is left on its fine lees until bottling, contributing texture.
Which Muscadet sub-appellation produces over 80% of Muscadet wines?
Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine
It accounts for the majority of total Muscadet output.
List three common soil types in Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine.
Gneiss, granite, and schist
The area’s soils can also include silica and clay.
True/False: ‘Hermine d’Or’ is an official labeling term in Muscadet signifying cru status.
False
It is an unofficial term some producers use to emphasize terroir.
Name three subzones of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine elevated to Cru Communaux status.
Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges
Additional subzones include Château Thébaud, Goulaine, Monnières-Saint-Fiacre, and Mouzillon-Tillières.
Which three newly elevated subzones for Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine were added in 2019?
Château Thébaud, Goulaine, and Mouzillon-Tillières
These subzones require extended lees aging but cannot label ‘sur lie’.
Which Pays Nantais AOP is based primarily on Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)?
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais
It can also be produced ‘sur lie’ but is often quite lean.
Which three former VDQS areas in the Pays Nantais became AOPs in 2011?
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais, Coteaux d’Ancenis, and Fiefs Vendéens
They were promoted after the VDQS category ended.
Which city lies near the vineyards of the Pays Nantais?
Nantes
It is close to the Atlantic coast and centers the region.
Select the correct set of varieties permitted in Coteaux d’Ancenis AOP: (A) Pinot Gris, Gamay, (B) Chenin, Cab Franc, (C) Grenache, Carignan
(A) Pinot Gris, Gamay
Whites are from Pinot Gris (Malvoisie); reds/rosés are from Gamay.
Which region in the Loire is most associated with sweet wines made from 100% Chenin Blanc?
Anjou
Sub-appellations like Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume, and Bonnezeaux are famed for sweet Chenin.
Name two sub-appellations of Savennières recognized as separate AOCs in 2011.
Coulée de Serrant and Roche Aux Moines
Both are historically regarded as top sites for dry Chenin.
Why are sweet wines in Coteaux du Layon often affected by botrytis?
Because of the Layon River’s morning mists and protected mesoclimates
These conditions encourage noble rot development.
Which appellation was recognized as the Loire’s first grand cru for sweet wines in 2010?
Quarts de Chaume
From the 2010 harvest forward, it could be labeled ‘Grand Cru’ on the bottle.
List three villages that may append their names to Coteaux du Layon AOP.
Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye d’Anjou, Rochefort-sur-Loire
Others include St. Lambert du Lattay, St. Aubin de Luigné, Rablay-sur-Layon, and Chaume.
Which sweet wine appellation lies just to the south of Savennières on the Loire’s north bank?
Coteaux de l’Aubance
Like Coteaux du Layon, it produces sweet Chenin Blanc wines.
What is the main difference between Quarts de Chaume AOP and Bonnezeaux AOP in allowed chaptalization?
Quarts de Chaume does not allow chaptalization, while Bonnezeaux does
Regulations for Quarts de Chaume are more stringent.
Name a top producer known for both Savennières and sweet wines of Quarts de Chaume.
Domaine des Baumard
They craft highly regarded wines in both styles.
Which AOP in Anjou-Saumur is dedicated to dry red wines only from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Anjou-Villages AOP
Both Anjou-Villages and Anjou-Villages Brissac produce reds exclusively.
What proportion of Anjou’s total production is rosé?
About 45%
Much of it is based on Grolleau.
Explain how Anjou AOP and Saumur AOP can overlap in labeling.
Wines produced in Saumur can be labeled as Anjou AOP, but not vice versa
Saumur is legally a sub-region of Anjou.
Which appellation is considered the Loire’s center for sparkling wine production?
Saumur AOP
Many base wines for Crémant de Loire originate around Saumur.
What is the key difference between Saumur Blanc and Anjou Blanc regarding permitted varieties?
Saumur Blanc is 100% Chenin Blanc, while Anjou Blanc may include secondary grapes
Saumur formerly allowed Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, but that ended in 2016.
Name two grapes besides Cabernet Franc that are authorized for Saumur Rouge.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d’Aunis
Saumur Reds can blend these, up to certain limits.
Which soils in Saumur-Champigny are credited with the wine’s light, floral style?
Hard limestone (tuffeau) with iron-rich elements
This soil composition helps produce elegant Cabernet Franc.
Identify one top estate known for Saumur-Champigny.
Clos Rougeard
Famous for ageworthy Cabernet Franc with refined structure.
True/False: Coteaux de Saumur AOP sweet wines must be 100% Chenin Blanc.
True
Like Coteaux du Layon, these are late-harvest or botrytized Chenin wines.
Which variety is used for Anjou Gamay wines?
100% Gamay
These are lighter-style reds separate from standard Anjou Rouge.
Which three appellations in Touraine produce classic Cabernet Franc-based reds?
Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
They represent the top Loire reds for ageworthiness.
Name the three main soil types of Chinon AOP.
Tuffeau, clay, and varennes (alluvial sand)
Tuffeau slopes yield the most structured wines.
Which Loire tributary flows through Chinon?
The Vienne River
It meets the Loire shortly after Chinon.
True/False: White wine labeled Chinon AOP must be 100% Chenin Blanc.
True
Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil only produce reds and rosés, but Chinon also allows whites.
Name a classic producer known for Chinon reds.
Charles Joguet
His single-vineyard wines helped raise Chinon’s reputation.
What grape is required for Bourgueil AOP rosé?
Cabernet Franc (with up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon)
The same requirement applies to Bourgueil red.
Why does Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil generally produce lighter wines than Bourgueil?
Its soils are mostly lighter alluvial sands
Bourgueil includes more limestone and clay, yielding more structure.
Which two AOPs in Touraine focus on Chenin Blanc and can produce still or sparkling styles?
Vouvray AOP and Montlouis-sur-Loire AOP
Both can be made as sec, moelleux, or mousseux from Chenin.
List the range of sweetness levels possible in Vouvray.
Sec, off-dry (sec-tendre), demi-sec, moelleux, and liquoreux
Final style depends on vintage and producer choice.
Which soil underlies many Vouvray vineyards and is also quarried for cellars?
Tuffeau limestone
The subsoil is soft, easily tunneled, and common in Touraine.
True/False: Montlouis-sur-Loire permits up to 5% Orbois in its blends.
False
Montlouis requires 100% Chenin Blanc, whereas Vouvray allows a small percentage of Orbois.
What is ‘vin gris’ in Touraine Noble-Joué AOP?
A pale rosé blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir
It revives a historical local tradition.
Which variety is used in Cour-Cheverny AOP?
Romorantin
This local grape produces dry to off-dry whites in Touraine.
Name a classic local red and white grape for Cheverny AOP blends.
Sauvignon Blanc for white and Pinot Noir/Gamay for red
Cheverny requires blending rather than single-varietal wines.
Which Touraine AOP covers a large area and may include Gamay primeur wines?
Touraine AOP
It includes various subzones and often produces fresh, early-drinking Gamay.
Identify two appellations north of the Loire in Touraine that focus on Chenin Blanc.
Coteaux du Loir and Jasnières
Jasnières is a sub-appellation known for pure Chenin.
Which variety is used to produce the dry rosé specialty in Coteaux du Vendômois AOP?
100% Pineau d’Aunis
This light, spicy rosé is a hallmark of the appellation.
Name the easternmost two AOPs in Touraine focusing on Sauvignon Blanc for whites.
Cheverny AOP and Valençay AOP
Valençay also makes red and rosé from Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Côt.
Which two famous Sauvignon Blanc appellations sit opposite each other along the Loire in the Central Vineyards?
Sancerre AOP and Pouilly-Fumé AOP
They are world-renowned for pungent, mineral Sauvignon.
What are the three major soil types of Sancerre?
Silex, terres blanches (Kimmeridgian clay-limestone), and caillottes (stony limestone)
Each soil imparts distinct nuances to the wine.
True/False: Pouilly-Fumé AOP permits white, red, and rosé wines.
False
Pouilly-Fumé is strictly for white Sauvignon Blanc; Pinot Noir is allowed in Sancerre red/rosé.
Which grape is featured in Pouilly-sur-Loire AOP?
Chasselas
It produces lighter white wines compared to Pouilly-Fumé.
Why can Sancerre Rouge be extremely light-bodied?
Because the region’s continental climate and soils result in higher acidity and leaner Pinot Noir
Frost risk and short summers also limit ripeness.
Which late Loire producer was known for the ‘Silex’ bottling in Pouilly-Fumé?
Didier Dagueneau
He championed low yields, meticulous work, and sometimes oak usage for top Sauvignon Blanc.
Menetou-Salon AOP allows which two grape varieties?
Sauvignon Blanc for white and Pinot Noir for red/rosé
Similar in style to Sancerre, often lighter.
Select the correct statement about Quincy AOP: (A) Pinot Noir only, (B) Sauvignon Blanc only, (C) Sauvignon & Pinot Noir blends
(B) Sauvignon Blanc only
Quincy is a white-wine-only appellation.
Name a Central Vineyards AOP that produces red and rosé from Pinot Noir and Gamay blends.
Coteaux du Giennois AOP
It also produces white from Sauvignon Blanc.
What is notable about Orléans-Cléry AOP?
It only produces red wines from 100% Cabernet Franc
It is a sister AOP to Orléans, which permits three colors.
Which small AOP in the Central Vineyards makes rosé from Pinot Gris (vin gris style)?
Reuilly AOP
It also produces white (SB) and red (PN), but the rosé is often prized.
True/False: Côtes d’Auvergne AOP is the southernmost outpost of Loire viticulture.
True
It produces all three colors from Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Noir near Clermont-Ferrand.
Which two small AOPs near Lyon produce reds and rosés from 100% Gamay?
Côtes du Forez AOP and Côte Roannaise AOP
They are closer to Beaujolais geographically.
Name an AOP in central France that blends Gamay and Pinot Noir for red, plus makes white from Chardonnay and Tressallier.
Saint-Pourçain AOP
It lies along the Allier River, near the Loire’s upper reaches.
Which older historical AOP near the Cher department focuses on Gamay-based reds and rosés?
Châteaumeillant AOP
Principally Gamay-based with Pinot Noir as a secondary variety.
True/False: Vouvray Mousseux must spend a minimum of nine months on the lees.
False
Loire traditional-method sparklers (Crémant de Loire, Vouvray, etc.) require at least nine months on lees, but Vouvray often totals 12 months aging overall.
Which appellation historically gained fame in Parisian cafés and was exported to England by the 11th century?
Sancerre
Along with Anjou and Saint-Pourçain, it had an early reputation in the Middle Ages.
Why did the Loire Valley’s prominence decline after King Louis XIV’s coronation at Reims?
The royal focus shifted to Versailles, and the Loire’s role in society waned
Swifter transport also brought new wines to Paris.
True/False: Phylloxera dealt a major blow to Loire viticulture in the 1880s, slowing its development.
True
It caused the region’s near-forgotten status until modern interest revived it.
How do wines labeled ‘Anjou-Villages’ generally differ in style from standard Anjou red?
They are typically fuller and sturdier, with more Cabernet Sauvignon content
Yields and varietal restrictions are stricter.
What is the minimum residual sugar for Cabernet d’Anjou?
10 g/L
This rosé from Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon requires higher sweetness.
List two rosé AOPs in Anjou that are dominated by Grolleau.
Rosé d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire
Rosé d’Anjou allows Grolleau, while Rosé de Loire can be made from several red grapes but is generally dry.
Explain why Coteaux du Layon producers conduct multiple passes (tries) in the vineyard.
To select only late-harvest or botrytized grapes for sweet wine
Mandatory tries ensure high-quality fruit.
Since 2010, which high-quality sweet wine AOP in Anjou-Saumur can label ‘Grand Cru’?
Quarts de Chaume AOP
Approved to use ‘Grand Cru’ from the 2010 harvest onward.
Which region in the Loire requires wines to be bottled without filtration directly off the lees between March 1 and November 30?
Muscadet sur lie wines
Sur lie status demands bottling off fine lees in that window.
Order these Sancerre soil types from least stony to most flint-rich: (A) Terres Blanches, (B) Caillottes, (C) Silex
(A) Terres Blanches, (B) Caillottes, (C) Silex
Caillottes is stonier than Terres Blanches, and Silex is flint-based.
Which central French AOPs are more akin to Beaujolais for producing Gamay-based reds?
Côte Roannaise and Côtes du Forez
Both rely on Gamay and lie near the Massif Central.
What is the typical maximum alcohol level suggested for Muscadet to retain its fresh character?
Around 12% ABV
Higher alcohol can overshadow the wine’s delicate maritime style.
Compare Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre in terms of permitted wine colors.
Pouilly-Fumé makes only white (Sauvignon Blanc), while Sancerre AOP also allows red and rosé (Pinot Noir)
Both are famed for Sauvignon Blanc whites.
Place these Loire rosé styles in order from highest minimum residual sugar to driest: (A) Cabernet d’Anjou, (B) Rosé d’Anjou, (C) Rosé de Loire
(A) Cabernet d’Anjou, (B) Rosé d’Anjou, (C) Rosé de Loire
Cab d’Anjou is at least 10 g/L RS, Rosé d’Anjou ~7 g/L, Rosé de Loire is max 3 g/L.
True/False: Both Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts de Chaume AOP forbid chaptalization.
False
Quarts de Chaume forbids it; Bonnezeaux still allows it.
Why might producers in Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine subzones choose not to label ‘sur lie’?
Extended sur-lie aging exceeds sur-lie regulations
Cru Communaux rules often require 18+ months on lees, so ‘sur lie’ can’t appear.
Which two AOPs in Touraine were historically part of a single district before Montlouis split off?
Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire
Montlouis was once included under Vouvray, but it became separate in 1938.
List from highest to lowest potential alcohol the following Savennières sub-appellations: (A) Coulée de Serrant, (B) Savennières, (C) Roche Aux Moines
(A) Coulée de Serrant, (C) Roche Aux Moines, (B) Savennières
Coulée de Serrant demands the highest minimum potential (12.5%).
Name one factor causing more frequent spring frost damage in the Loire since 2010.
Earlier budbreak due to warmer early seasons
Frosts then hit more developed buds, increasing crop loss.
Which method do Loire growers sometimes use to protect vines from frost by encasing buds in ice?
Aspersion (water-sprinkling)
A layer of ice insulates buds at 0°C to prevent colder damage.
True/False: Crémant de Loire must be hand-harvested and aged at least nine months on the lees.
True
Traditional method rules also require a minimum of 12 months total aging before release.
Which variety is forbidden in Saumur Mousseux Blanc? (A) Chenin Blanc, (B) Chardonnay, (C) Marsanne
(C) Marsanne
Saumur Mousseux primarily uses Chenin Blanc, with Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and others allowed, but not Marsanne.
Explain how top Savennières wines can evolve over time.
They develop honeyed richness and complexity with age
Initially austere, they benefit from cellaring.
Which AOP is a monopole owned by Nicolas Joly?
Coulée de Serrant AOP
It is within Savennières and farmed biodynamically.
True/False: Touraine AOP whites are now mandated to be at least 80% Chenin Blanc.
False
Since 2016, Touraine whites must be predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with up to 20% Sauvignon Gris.
Name a Loire Valley practice introduced by the Dutch to create spirits for shipping.
Distillation of Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)
The Dutch historically sought wines for brandy production.
How is ‘Pétillant’ different from ‘Mousseux’ in Vouvray?
‘Pétillant’ has lower atmospheric pressure and a gentler sparkle
Mousseux is fully sparkling with higher pressure.
Since 1950, which major shift allowed more wines from outside the Loire to reach Paris, impacting Loire sales?
Improved transport infrastructure (rail and roads)
It reduced Loire wines’ monopoly on proximity to the capital.
Which single varietal typically dominates reds from Anjou-Villages Brissac AOP?
Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon blended
These are structured reds from the Aubance area.
List two central reasons Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine subzones have stricter yields and longer aging than standard Muscadet.
To highlight terroir and increase quality/complexity
Cru Communaux regulations lower yields and extend lees contact.
Compare typical red styles of Chinon vs. Bourgueil in terms of structure.
Chinon can show silky tannins with marked tobacco notes, while Bourgueil often offers more structure and tannin from calcareous soils
Both rely on Cabernet Franc.
True/False: Romorantin is the only permitted grape in Cour-Cheverny AOP.
True
It produces both dry and off-dry whites in that appellation.
Why do many Loire wines feature high acidity?
Northern latitude and cooler climate preserve acid in the grapes
Chenin and Sauvignon particularly retain natural acidity.
Which region’s wines were historically served at the French court before the rise of Bordeaux and Champagne?
The Loire Valley, notably Sancerre, Anjou, and Saint-Pourçain
Royal attention shifted away with Louis XIV.
How does clay-flint (silex) soil influence Sauvignon Blanc in Pouilly-Fumé?
It imparts a smoky, mineral edge often described as ‘pierre à fusil’
Flint-based soils contribute these classic notes.
