France - Loire Flashcards
Where does the Loire River start and end?
Starts in the Massif Central Mts, ends west in the Atlantic.
When did Chenin Blanc first appear in Touraine?
845 south of Angers
where does Loire stand in white production compared to the rest of France? Sparkling production?
1st in white production, Second in sparkling to Champagne
What is Cabernet Franc known as in Loire
Breton
White varietals of Loire:
Classic varietals:
Chenin Blanc
Sauv. Blanc
Melon de Bourgogne
Other varietals: Chardonnay Orbois Romorantin Gors PLant (Folle Blance) Chasselas
Loire red varietals:
Cab Franc (breton) Pinot Noir Gamay Cab. Sauvignon Malbec (cot) Pineau D'aunis Groslot (grolleau)
Where is Pays Nantais?
Near the Atlantic coast, most western region of Loire
Explain the climate of Nantais
cool, wet maritime climate
The most important grape in Nantais
Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet)
Appellations for Melon de Bourgogne is Pays Nantais
Muscadet AOP
Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOP
Muscadet Couteaux de la Loire AOP
Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOP
What is the maximum alcohol content for all the Muscadet appellations?
12%
Muscadet AOC
Basic appellation, the wines are neutral, dry, high in acid and designed for youthful consumption. In order to label Muscadet as sur lie, the wines must come from one of the three sub-appellations. The wines are aged on the lees over the winter, and are bottled directly off the fine lees (without filtering) between March 1 and November 30th of the year following the harvest. The process adds complexity, and richness to the wines.
Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
Account for over 80% of Muscadet production, sourced from 23 communes near the Sevre and Maine Rivers.
What are the soil types of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?
Gneiss, Silica, Clay and Granite
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire
A more northerly appellation, In warmer vintages the area is an excellent source of quality Muscadet.
