France: Loire Valley Flashcards
1
Q
Where is the category Fines Bulles used to categorize sparkling wines?
A
The term may appear on labels of traditional method sparkling wines from 6 AOPs in the Loire Valley: Anjou Mousseux, Cremant de Loire, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Saumur Brut, Touraine Mousseux, Vouvray
2
Q
What is the secondary grape allowed in Vouvray and in what amount?
A
Orbois, max. 5%
3
Q
Name three appellations outside of Alsace that can label wines SGN?
A
Coteaux de l’Aubance, Coteaux du Layon, Monbazillac
4
Q
What is the primary red grape of Coteaux-du-Vendomois? White?
A
Pineau d’Aunis; Chenin Blanc
5
Q
What region is the foremost producer of white wine in France?
A
The Loire Valley
6
Q
What is a synonym for Folle Blanche in the Loire Valley?
A
Gros Plant
7
Q
What is a synonym for Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley?
A
Breton
8
Q
What is a synonym for Malbec in the Loire Valley?
A
Cot
9
Q
What is the climate of Pay Nantais?
A
Cool, wet maritime climate
10
Q
What are the four appellations for Melon de Bourgogne in Pay Nantais?
A
Muscadet AOP, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP, Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOP, and Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine AOP
11
Q
What appellation accounts for 80% of all Muscadet production?
A
Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
12
Q
Where does Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine get its name from?
A
It lies near the confluence of the Sevre and Maine rivers.
13
Q
What is “Hermine d’Or”?
A
An unofficial labeling term championed by Guy Bossard in Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine – stresses terroir and age ability.
14
Q
What are the requirements for Muscadet to be labeled sur lie?
A
- Must originate from land that qualifies for one of the three sub-apps of Muscadet (though can still be labeled straight “Muscadet AOP”)
- Must be aged on its lees and bottled directly off fine lees between March 1 and November 30 of the year following harvest.
15
Q
What are the three sub zones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine? When were they introduced and what are they collectively known as?
A
Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges; 2011; “crus commonaux” – “communal crus”
16
Q
Why can a wine from one of the three sub-zones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine not be labeled “sur lie”.
A
The sub-zones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine require a minimum 18 months sur lie, which exceeds the period of time permitted for the labeling of “sur lie”.
17
Q
With the elimination of VDQS in 2011, what three new regions gained AOP status in Pay Nantais?
A
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais, Coteaux d’Ancenis, and Fiefs Vendeens
18
Q
What is Chenin Blanc known as in Anjou?
A
Pineau de la Loire
19
Q
What style of wine dominates production in the Anjou AOP? What styles are allowed?
A
Rose, made from Grolleau, makes up 45% of Anjou AOP wines. Red, white, and sparkling are allowed.
20
Q
On what side of the Loire river does Savennieres lie? What AOP lies opposite?
A
North side; Coteaux du Layon/Quarts de Chaume
21
Q
What soil defines Savennieres?
A
Blue schist & volcanic debris
22
Q
What are the unofficial “grand crus” of Savennieres, and when did they gain official AOP status?
A
Roche aux Moines and Coulee de Serrant; 2011
23
Q
What are the two overarching AOPs south of the Loire River opposite Savennieres? What style of wine is made there and what is the minimum RS?
A
Coteaux du Layon and Coteaux de l’Aubance; sweet wines from Chenin Blanc. Min. RS 34 g/L.
24
Q
What two appellations lie within Coteaux du Layon?
A
Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume.
25
Is chaptalization legal in Bonnezeaux? Quarts de Chaume?
Yes; No
26
What is the minimum RS of Bonnezeaux?
51 g/L
27
What 7 villages are entitled to add their name to the basic Coteaux du Layon AOP?
```
Beaulieu-sur-Layon
Rochefort-sur-Loire
St. Aubin de Luigne
Rablay-sur-Layon
Faye d'Anjou
St-Lambert du Lattay
Chaume 1er Cru
```
28
What is the minimum RS of Chaume 1er Cru?
80 g/L
29
What AOP in the Loire Valley has been entitled to use the "Grand Cru" moniker since 2010?
Quarts de Chaume
30
What is the minimum RS of Quarts de Chaume? Minimum must weight?
85 g/L (34 g/L prior to 2011); 298 g/L
31
Name four red wine only appellations of Anjou/Saumur?
Anjou Villages, Anjou Villages Brissac, Saumur-Champigny, Anjou Gamay
32
What are the cepage requirements for Saumur blanc and Anjou blanc?
Chenin Blanc with up to 20% combined Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
33
What grapes are allowed in Saumur AOP reds?
Cab, Cab Franc, Pineau d'Aunis
34
What are the cepage requirements for Saumur-Champigny AOP wines?
Cab Franc with a max. 15% combined Cab and Pineau d'Aunis
35
Where is Haut-Poitou AOP?
50 miles south of Chinon and the eastern edge of Saumur; achieved AOP status in 2011 with the dissolution of VDQS.
36
What is varennes and where are you likely to find it?
Sandy alluvial soil found close to the Vienne, a tributary of the Loire in Chinon
37
What three soil types is Chinon broadly divided into? Where would you find each and what styles of wine do they create?
Tuffeau (limestone)/Clay, Gravel, and Varennes (sand). Varennes is found more in the western part of Chinon, and make for the lightest wines. Gravel is found on the banks of the Vienne, making more medium bodied wine. Tuffeau/clay is found on the slopes, and makes for the most structured, age-worthy wines
38
What are the three appellations for classic Loire Cabernet Franc in Touraine? What are the cepage requirements of each, and what styles of wine can be produced?
Chinon, Bourgueil, St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. Bourgueil and St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil make only reds and roses, while Chinon allows for white wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc. Reds and roses from any of the three regions are Cab Franc based, but permit up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (encepagement).
39
What side of the Loire river does Vouvray lie on? What appellation lies directly opposite it on the other side?
The north side; Montlouis-sur-Loire
40
What is the main soil type of Vouvray, and what man-made feature of the Loire has it given rise to?
Vouvray consists of tuffeau limestone subsoil, which is a soft material for excavation, giving rise to lots of underground cellars
41
What is another name for Orbois?
Menu Pineau
42
What styles of wine may be made in Vouvray?
All white, primarily from Chenin, but Orbois is allowed. May be produced sec, sec-tendre (off-dry), demi-sec, moelleux, and liquereux
43
What appellation was formerly part of Vouvray? What cepage requirements differ between the two?
Montlouis-sur-Loire; Orbois is not allowed in Montlouis.
44
What new encepagement requirements need to be met in Touraine by 2016?
Mandated planting of Sauvignon Blanc and a max. 20% Sauvignon Gris, in addition to Chenin Blanc
45
What is Touraine Noble-Joué?
An rosé only appellation in Touraine, wines made in a vin gris style from Gris Meunier (Pinot Meunier), Malvosie (Pinot Gris), and Pinot Noir. Min. 40% Pinot Meunier, min. 20% Pinot Gris, min. 10% Pinot Noir
46
What is another name for Pinot Gris in Touraine?
Malvosie
47
What appellation is Jasnieres a sub-app of, and what style of wine is made there?
Coteaux du Loir; 100% Chenin Blanc, may be blanc sec (max. 8 g/L) or sweeter
48
What is the red grape of Coteaux du Loir?
Pineau d'Aunis
49
Where is Cheverny and what grapes dominate there?
In the eastern Touraine; Pinot Noir and Gamay based reds, Sauvignon Blanc based whites
50
What is the grape of Cour-Cheverny AOP?
Romorantin
51
What wine appellation of Touraine is also an AOP for goat's milk cheeses? What grapes are predominately grown there?
Valencay; Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cot
52
Define the climate of the Central Vineyards.
Continental climate: cold winters, cool harvests, short summers, bud break happens with frost danger
53
Describe the geographic proximity of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.
The two appellations straddle the Loire River on its northward path, Sancerre on the west; Pouilly Fume on the east
54
Name three appellations of the Central Vineyards devoted to white wine production. There is only one appellation of the Central Vineyards exclusively for reds -- what is it and what grape can be grown?
Pouilly-Fume, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Quincy; Orleans-Clery (exclusively Cab Franc)
55
What are the three main soil types of Sancerre?
Silex (flint), Terre Blanches (kimmeridgian chalk), caillottes (stony soil, fossils)
56
What is the name given in the Loire to the Kimmeridgian chalk that extends over from Chablis? What appellation is it most prominent in?
Terre Blanches; Sancerre
57
What is the grape of Pouilly-sur-Loire?
Chasselas
58
What is the Cher River a tributary of? What two appellations lie along it?
The Loire River; Reuilly and Quincy
59
What was the second demarcated region in all of France, after Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Quincy, in the Central Vineyards, Loire
60
Menetou-Salon, Reuilly, Quincy, and Coteaux du Giennois in the Central Vineyards all produce varietal Sauvignon Blanc. What else do they make?
Menetou Salon -- reds and roses from PN
Reuilly -- reds from PN, roses made in vin gris style from Pinot Gris
Quincy -- nada!
Coteaux du Giennois -- reds, must be blends of PN and Gamay
61
What two grapes are found in significant amounts in Orleans AOP that are not found in the rest of the Central Vineyards?
Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier
62
What is the main grape of Cotes du Forez AOP?
Gamay
63
What is the main grape of Cote Roannaise AOP?
Gamay
64
What is the main grape of Chateaumeillant AOP?
Gamay
65
What is the southernmost appellation of the Loire?
Cotes d'Auvergne AOP
66
Name the three subzones of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, from north to south
Le Pallet
Gorges
Clisson
(eg. Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine-Gorges)
67
Where is Savennières?
Anjou
68
Where is Vouvray?
Touraine
69
Climate difference between Upper, Lower, & Middle Loire
Lower (Muscadet) : Maritime
Middle (Anjou~Touraine) : Maritime with Continental Influence
Upper (Sancerre) : Continental
70
Soil difference between Saumur and Anjou
Saumur: limestone w/ sand
Anjou: schist & clay marl
71
Where is Romorantin grown?
Cour-Cheverny
72
For what appellation is Pineau d'Aunis the primary grape?
Côteaux du Vendômois AOP (rosé and rouge) and Coteaux du Loir AOP
73
What are the three styles of sparkling wine found in Loire?
Petillant
Mousseaux
Crémant
74
What is the difference between Petillant, Mousseaux, and Cremant?
Petillant : 1/2 the pressure of mousseaux/cremant (1-2.5atms)
Mousseaux: methode champenoise, can carry geographic designation. Aging requirements depend on appellation, but normally 9 mos. lees.
Crémant: 9 months on lees, 1 year total aging (from date of tirage) before release. No geographic designation beyond "Cremant d'Loire"
75
What grapes are sweet wines made of in the middle loire?
Chenin Blanc
76
What are the styles of wine and grapes allowed in the Coteaux d'Anciens AOP?
Sweet blanc (20-40 g/L) from Malvosie (Pinot Gris), dry rose and red from Gamay
77
What are the white grapes in Fiefs Vendéens?
| The Red grapes?
White: min. 60% Chenin Blanc, with Chardonnay
Rose: 80% Gamay and Pinot Noir, then CF, CS, Negrette blend.
Red: Cab Franc, Negrette, and Pinot Noir (principle), with Gamay and Cab Sauv
[all dry styles]
78
What is Gros Plant du Pays Nantais?
Folle Blanche that can be aged sur lie.
79
What are the four muscadet AOCs?
Muscadet
Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu
Muscadet Côtes de la Loire
80
Name the two white grapes of the lower loire
Muscadet/Melon
| Folle Blanche/Gros Plant
81
What is Gros Plant/Folle Blanche known as in Armagnac?
Picpoul (not the same as Rhône's picpoul!)
82
The areas in Lower Loire (muscadet) is known for what soil type?
Gneiss - porous volcanic rock (metamorphic, compressed granite)
Gabbro - rocky, mineral rich (igneous, crystalline cooled magma)
83
Is chaptalization allowed in Loire?
Yes, except for demi-sec or sweeter wines.
84
In Anjou & Layon, where do the majority of vineyards lie in respect to the river? What are the significant exceptions to this rule?
The majority of vineyards lie on the LEFT BANK (south side) of the river. Savennières and its two AOPs are the exception.
85
Approximately what percentage is Anjou's production Rosé? What are the 8 grapes that make up the rosés?
50%.
| Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau, Gamay, Pineau d'Aunis, Malbec, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir.
86
Name the 7 AOCs making sweet wine from Chenin Blanc within the Middle Loire
```
Anjou Coteax de la Loire
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon + Village
Chaume (1er Cru of Coteaux du Layon)
Coteaux de l'Aubance
Bonnezeaux
Quarts de Chaume (grand cru)
```
87
What are the two sub-AOPs of Savennières
Roche aux Moines,
| Coulee de Serrant
88
What is the difference between Rosé d'Anjou, Cabernet d'Anjou, and Rosé de Loire ACs?
Rosé d'Anjou: off-dry with .7% min RS; Grolleau is main grape.
Cabernet d'Anjou: off-dry to sweet w/ min1% RS; CS/CF.
Rosé de Loire: always dry; sourced anywhere within middle Loire (max 3 g/L RS)
89
What are the EU regulations regarding Residual sugar in still wines of the Loire (assuming suitable acidity)?
Demi-sec: 9-18g/l
Moelleux: 18-45g/l
doux: 45g/l
90
What is the predominate soil type of Savennières?
Schistose slate with some volcanic rocks.
91
What Loire region is the #1 producer of sparkling wines?
Saumur
92
What is "Fines Bulles" ?
translates to "Fine Bubbles" and is a general term for sparkling Loire wines.
93
In what region is Chinon and Bourgueil?
Touraine
94
In what region is Vouvray, Jasnieres, and Montlouis-sur-Loire
Touraine
95
What is Touriane Noble Joué?
dry rosé, or vin gris, made from Pinot Meunier, Noir, and Gris. Made in the southern outskirts of Tours.
96
What are the 5 Touraine AOP village subzones and how are they geographically oriented?
Mesland, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Oisly, Chenonceaux. They form a somewhat lopsided cross, with Oisly on the far east. Mesland, Amboise, and Chenonceaux are almost equidistant, with Mesland north of the river, Amboise on the river, and Chenonceaux south of it, all east of Vouvray/Montlouis. Azay-le-Rideau is further west, just east of Chinon, south of the Loire, on the Indre tributary.
97
What is the maximum amount of residual sugar in Vouvray sec?
8 g/L
98
What department is Sancerre in?
Cher
99
Name three communes of production of Sancerre? Which is specifically known for its silex soils?
Bannay, Bué, Crézancy-en-Sancerre, Menetou-Râtel, Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre, Montigny, Saint-Satur, Sainte-Gemme-en-Sancerrois, Sancerre, Sury-en-Vaux, Thauvenay, Veaugues, Verdigny, Vinon; Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre is specifically known for its silex soils.
100
What are the maximum yields (rendement de base) for Sancerre?
Blanc - 65 hl/ha
Rose - 63 hl/ha
Rouge - 59 hl/ha
101
What do most of Sancerre's best vineyard sites have in common?
They are planted on hillsides on terre blanches soils.
102
Where is La Côte des Monts Damnés?
Chavignol, Sancerre
103
Where is Cul de Beaujeu?
Chavignol, Sancerre
104
Where is La Grande Côte?
Amigny, Sancerre
105
Where is Clos de la Poussie?
Bué, Sancerre
106
Where is Côte de Champtin?
Champtin, Sancerre
107
Name three single vineyard sites from Sancerre.
La Côte des Monts Damnés (Chavignol), Cul de Beaujeu (Chavignol), La Grande Côte (Amigny), Clos de la Poussie (Bué) and the Côte de Champtin (Champtin)
108
What is the difference in soil type between Sancerre and Pouilly Fume?
Pouilly Fume has the three mail soil types that Sancerre does (caillottes, terre blanches, and silex), but also Portlandian limestone and sand. Sancerre is also more hilly; Pouilly Fume flatter
109
Name that region: Jonathan Pabiot
Les Loges, Pouilly Fume
110
Who makes Les Romains and La Belle Dame?
Vacheron in Sancerre. Single vineyard sites for Sauvignon Blanc on flint (Les Romains) and Pinot Noir on flint (La Belle Dame)
111
Name that region: Michel Redde
Pouilly Fume
112
Name three producers making Sancerre Rouge.
Alphonse Mellot, Vacheron, Reverdy
113
Name three biodynamic producers of the Central Vineyards.
Alphonse Mellot, Domaines Fouassier and Vacheron in Sancerre, Alexandre Bain and Jonathan Pabiot (part) in Pouilly, and Domaine Philippe Gilbert in Menetou-Salon. In Reuilly, Denis Jamain (Domaine de Reuilly) is in his first year of conversion.
114
Name three producers known for oak usage in the Central Vineyards.
Alphonse Mellot, Dagueneau, Vacherons
115
What is the largest appellation of the Central Vineyards?
Sancerre
116
Where is Domaine Henri Bourgeois based and what is the name of their New World winery?
Chavignol, Sancerre; Clos Henri, Marlborough
117
Name that region: Baron Patrick Ladoucette
Pouilly Fume
118
Who is the largest producer in Pouilly Fume?
Baron Patrick Ladoucette
119
Who owns the monopole Clos de la Poussie and what is it famous for?
Baron Patrick Ladoucette in Pouilly Fume. It has been famously neglected! Much of the top vineyard sites have eroded away.
120
Name a producer of Pouilly-sur-Loire.
Michel Redde is one of the very few producers to take Chasselas seriously with their Gustave Daudin made from yields of 20-25 hl/ha.
121
What appellation overlaps exactly in vineyard delineation with Pouilly Fume?
Pouilly-sur-Loire
122
What villages bookend Coteaux du Giennois? How far does it stretch and how many hectares? On which bank of the Loire are most vineyards planted on?
Gien in the north, and Cosne-sur-Loire in the south where it meets with Pouilly Fume/Pouilly-sur-Loire. It is 60 km and 197 ha. Most vineyards line the eastern side of the Loire.
123
What are the assemblage requirements for Coteaux de Giennois, white, rose, and red?
White -- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
| Rose and Red -- must be a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, with neither varietal exceeding 80%
124
What appellation touches the western edge of Sancerre?
Menetou-Salon
125
In what department is Menetou-Salon?
Cher
126
What is the primary soil type of Menetou-Salon?
Kimmeridgian marl
127
What styles of wines/grapes are allowed in Menetou Salon?
Dry white wines from 100% Sauvignon Blanc and dry red and rose wines from 100% Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Gris is permitted for white wine, but it may not be replanted.
128
If you were to drive 55 km due west from Sancerre, what body of water would you hit and what two appellations?
The Cher River, a tributary of the Loire; Quincy first, and then Reuilly
129
What tributary of the Loire do Quincy and Reuilly lie on?
The Cher
130
What styles of wine/grapes are allowed in Quincy?
Dry white wine from Sauvignon Blanc, plus a max. 10% Sauvignon Gris
131
What department is Quincy in?
Cher
132
What department is Reuilly in?
Cher and Indre
133
What style of wine/grapes are allowed in Reuilly?
Dry white wine from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, rose from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, red wine from 100% Pinot Noir.
134
Where is Chateaumeillant in relation to the other vineyards of the Loire Valley?
It is about 70km due south of Reuilly, at the northern foothills of the Massif Central
135
What separates the Massif Central from the Alps?
The Rhone River and the deep furrow that it creates.
136
What department is the Châteaumeillant AOP in?
Cher and Indre
137
What villages bookend Coteaux du Giennois? How far does it stretch and how many hectares? On which bank of the Loire are most vineyards planted on?
Gien in the north, and Cosne-sur-Loire in the south where it meets with Pouilly Fume/Pouilly-sur-Loire. It is 60 km and 197 ha. Most vineyards line the eastern side of the Loire.
138
What are the assemblage requirements for Coteaux de Giennois, white, rose, and red?
White -- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
| Rose and Red -- must be a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, with neither varietal exceeding 80%
139
What appellation touches the western edge of Sancerre?
Menetou-Salon
140
In what department is Menetou-Salon?
Cher
141
In what three communes does the majority of viticulture in Menetou-Salon take place?
Morogues, Parassy, and Menetou-Salon
142
What styles of wines/grapes are allowed in Menetou Salon?
Dry white wines from 100% Sauvignon Blanc and dry red and rose wines from 100% Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Gris is permitted for white wine, but it may not be replanted.
143
If you were to drive 55 km due west from Sancerre, what body of water would you hit and what two appellations?
The Cher River, a tributary of the Loire; Quincy first, and then Reuilly
144
What are the styles/grapes of Côte Roannaise AOP?
Dry red and rosé from 100% Gamay
145
What is the department of Côte Roannaise, Côtes du Forez
Loire
146
What department is Quincy in?
Cher
147
What department is Reuilly in?
Cher and Indre
148
What style of wine/grapes are allowed in Reuilly?
Dry white wine from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, rose from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, red wine from 100% Pinot Noir.
149
Where is Chateaumeillant in relation to the other vineyards of the Loire Valley?
It is about 70km due south of Reuilly, at the northern foothills of the Massif Central
150
What separates the Massif Central from the Alps?
The Rhone River and the deep furrow that it creates.
151
What department is the Châteaumeillant AOP in?
Cher and Indre
152
What styles of wine/grapes are permitted in the Châteaumeillant AOP?
Vin gris: At least 60% Gamay, plus Pinot Noir (max. 15% Pinot Gris allowed)
Rouge: At least 60% Gamay, plus Pinot Noir
[The proportion of Gamay may be a min. 30% from 2011, a min. 40% from 2016, and a min. 50% from 2021, with a min. 60% mandatory from 2027 onward.]
153
In what department is Orléans AOP?
Loiret
154
What are the styles/grapes of wine allowed in the Orléans AOP?
Dry white wine from at least 60% Chardonnay, with Pinot Gris. Dry rosé from at least 60% Pinot Meunier, with Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Dry red wine from 70-90% Pinot Meunier, plus Pinot Noir
155
What are the encepagement requirements for Touraine AOP blanc pre-2016 and post-2016? How does this differ from assemblage?
Pre-2016: White wines from Touraine AOP may be produced from Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Orbois, max. 20% Chardonnay and a max. 20% Sauvignon Gris
Post-2016: Sauvignon Blanc w/ max. 20% Sauvignon Gris
Assemblage: Blend must be a majority Sauvignon Blanc
156
What are the styles/grapes allowed in the Orléans-Cléry AOP?
Dry red wine from 100% Cabernet Franc
157
Where would you find the village of Oisly?
Touraine
158
In what department is Saint-Pourçain AOP in?
Alliers
159
What are the styles/grapes of Saint-Pourçain AOP?
Blanc: 50-80% Chardonnay, 20-40% Sacy (Tressalier), max. 10% Sauvignon Blanc
Rosé: 100% Gamay
Rouge: 40-75% Gamay, and 25-60% Pinot Noir
(only dry styles)
160
What are the styles/grapes of Côte Roannaise AOP?
Dry red and rosé from 100% Gamay
161
What is the department of Côte Roannaise, Côtes du Forez
Loire
162
What are the styles/grapes of Côtes du Forez AOP?
Dry red and rosé from 100% Gamay
163
What are the requirements for Touraine Vin Mousseux?
Vin Mousseux is made by the traditional method, and must be aged on the lees for a min. 9 months. Min. 60% Chenin Blanc or Orbois
164
What are the sub-zones for rouge only in Côtes d'Auvergne?
Boudes, Chanturgue, Châteaugay, Madargue
165
What is the sub-zone for rosé only in Côtes d'Auvergne?
Corent
166
What are the styles/grapes of Côtes d'Auvergne?
Blanc: 100% Chardonnay
Rosé: Min. 50% Gamay plus Pinot Noir
Rouge: Min. 50% Gamay plus Pinot Noir
167
With the exception of which two grapes, all of the grape varieties grown in the Loire are found in Eastern Touraine?
Tressalier (Sacy), unique to Saint Pourcain, and Melon
168
What is Provignage? Who is using it.
Same or similar to en foule. Provignage is a technique employed in ancient, pre-phyloxera Burgundy and Champagne. Accounts of the practice date back to Roman times. Vignerons planted one cutting, and layered the vine time and time again until one vine, one being, connected by a maze of buried shoots, took up an entire vineyard block, possibly the size of a hectare, perhaps even larger. Stolpman is experimenting with the technique using a Syrah vine in Santa Barbara. Domaine de la Bergerie (Anjou) and Henry Marionnet, Domaine de la Charmoise (Cour-Cheverney) are also using the technique. The latter has a cuvee called "Provignage" of old vine Romoratin.
169
What is Meslier Saint-François?
A grape variety popular in the eastern Touraine in the 20th century. Was most likely sold to Germany to make sekt.
170
What sub-zone of Touraine AOP is the eastern limit for Chenin Blanc?
Amboise
171
What are the cepage requirements for Touraine AOP blanc pre-2016 and post-2016?
Pre-2016: White wines from Touraine AOP may be produced from Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Orbois, max. 20% Chardonnay and a max. 20% Sauvignon Gris
Post-2016: Sauvignon Blanc w/ max. 20% Sauvignon Gris
172
What are the cepage requirements for Touraine AOP Rosé?
Must be produced from at least two grapes, with no one making up more than 70% of the blend.
173
What are the cepage requirements for Touraine AOP Rouge?
Min. 80% combined Cabernet Franc and Cot (min. 50%). Vineyards west of Tours have a min. 80% Cabernet Franc. May be supplemented with Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir
174
What is Clos Baudoin?
A premier site of Vouvray, formerly owned by Prince Poniatowski and sold to Francois Chidaine in 2006
175
In which subzones of Touraine AOP is Chenin Blanc dominant? In which Sauvignon Blanc?
Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, and Mesland -- Chenin
| Chenonceaux and Oisly -- SB
176
For which subzones of Touraine AOP is Rouge made?
Mesland, Amboise, and Chenonceaux (the central ones).
177
What is the dominant grape of Touraine AOP Mesland Rouge? Touraine AOP Chenonceaux Rouge?
Mesland -- Gamay
| Chenonceaux -- Cot/Cab Franc
178
What are the restrictions on chaptalization for Touraine AOP?
Prohibited for wines with more than 18 g/L RS
179
What are the requirements for Touraine Vin Mousseux?
Vin Mousseux is made by the traditional method, and must be aged on the lees for a min. 9 months
180
What are the styles and grapes of Touraine AOP Azay-le-Rideau?
White and pink only, predominately Chenin Blanc and Grolleau.
181
What Loire Cremant producer was formerly owned by Deutz and is now owned by the Henrion family from Champagne?
Château de l’Aulée
182
What departments encompass the Touraine AOP?
Indre-et-Loire, Indre-et-Cher
183
What appellation lies directly south of the city of Tours?
Touraine Noble-Joué
184
Who is the only producer of Touraine Noble-Joué available in the United States?
Rousseau Frères
185
What styles/grapes are allowed in Touraine AOP Oisly?
Dry white wine from Sauvignon Blanc
186
Approximately how much of Vouvray production is sparkling?
60%
187
What is the department of Vouvray?
Indre-et-Loire
188
What are the maximum yields for Vouvray Petillant/Mousseux? Still wine?
65 hl/ha; 52 hl/ha
189
What are the orientation of most vineyards in Montlouis-sur-Loire?
Southward; towards the Cher rather than the Loire.
190
What is Clos Baudoin?
A premier site of Vouvray, formerly owned by Prince Poniatowski and sold to Francois Chidaine.
191
On what bottle might you see the words "Aigle Blanc"?
Prince Poniatowski Vouvray -- his non-single vineyard wine, usually comprised of Le Mont or Haut-Lieu
192
Can sweet wine be made in Cheverny?
Yes, there is no maximum residual sugar for white and rose wines in Cheverny.
193
What are the primary and secondary grapes of Cheverny?
Blanc: 60-84% Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, 16-40% combined Chenin, Chardonnay, and Orbois
Red/Rose: 60-84% Pinot Noir, 16-40% Gamay, and permitted up to 10/25% (Red/Rose) Cot and Cabernet Franc.
194
What styles of wine are made in Cour-Cheverny?
White wine from 100% Romorantin. May be sec (max. 8 g/L) or sweeter
195
If you were travelling down the Loire from Orleans into Touraine, what is the first appellation you would hit?
Cheverny
196
What three appellations do you find on the Loir tributary of the Loire?
Jasniers, Coteaux du Loir, Coteaux du Vendômois
197
What are the primary red and white varieties of Coteaux du Loir?
Chenin Blanc, Pineau d'Aunis
198
What is the second largest sparkling wine producing region of France after Champagne?
Saumur
199
Why does Cabernet Franc grow better in the Loire Valley than Cabernet Sauvignon does?
Cab Franc is an earlier ripening grape, and with the shorter growing season than say Bordeaux, it ripens well where Cab Sauv won't
200
Where in the Loire Valley does Cabernet Sauvignon ripen the best and why?
Anjou, because it has a longer growing season
201
What river do the vineyards of Bourgueil face? Chinon?
Loire; Vienne
202
What is the most significant commune for wine production in Chinon?
Cravant-les-Coteaux
203
What is the department of Chinon?
Indre-et-Loire
204
Why is limestone ideal for building out cellars?
It is easy to quarry out and provides an all around constant, cool temperature
205
Where is the commune Benais?
Bourgueil
206
What styles of wine are allowed in Bourgueil?
Red and rose from a majority Cabernet Franc. 10% Cabernet Sauvignon may be planted in vineyards, but the majority of the wine has to be composed of Cabernet Franc.
207
What is the main difference in soil type between Bourgueil and St. Nicolas de Bourgueil, and what is the resultant stylistic difference?
There is a higher proportion of gravel in St. Nicolas de Bourgueil, and the wines tend to be a bit lighter and less structured.
208
What is the department of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil and Bourgueil?
Indre-et-Loire
209
In what department are the majority of the vineyards of Saumur?
Maine-et-Loire
210
What is the soil type of Saumur Champigny?
The bedrock in the region is limestone with varying proportions of clay in the topsoil, as well as sand in some places such as Chaintres.
211
With what wine region is Antoine Cristal associated? What were his two single vineyard sites, and what became of them when he died?
Saumur-Champigny; Le Clos Cristal (Cab Franc) and Clos d'Entre les Murs (Chenin Blanc), which were bequeathed to Hospices du Saumur in 1928.
212
Where would you find the sub-designation of Le Puy Notre-Dame, and what styles of wine are made there?
Saumur; AOP since 2009. Cabernet Franc and a max. 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Lower yields than regular Saumur Rouge (50 vs. 57) and high minimum alcohol (12% vs. 10.5%)
213
What styles of wine are made in Valençay AOP?
White, Rose, and Red. All dry. Whites must be a majority Sauvignon Blanc, and reds and roses must be blends of Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Cot.
214
What are the minimum must weights for Coteaux du Layon, Coteaux du Layon SGN, Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume, and Coteaux du Layon (with other geographic designation)?
CdL: 221 g/L
CdL SGN: 323 g/L
CdL 1er Cru Chaume: 272 g/L
CdL (other geographic designation): 238 g/L
215
What are the assemblage requirements for Saumur Blanc and Rouge?
Blanc: 100% Chenin Blanc (up to 20% Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, combined, may be used until the 2016 vintage)
Rouge: Cabernet Franc, plus a max. 30% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis
216
What styles of wine are allowed in Coteaux de Saumur?
Exclusively sweet white wine (min. 34 g/L RS) from Chenin Blanc. Must weight, min. 238 g/L RS.
217
Name three communes of Saumur-Champigny?
Chacé, Montsoreau, Parnay, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant, Varrains
218
What styles of wine are made in Saumur-Champigny?
Dry red wine from Cabernet Franc, plus a max. 15% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis
219
Where is Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent and what is it known for?
It is a commune in Western Saumur, where most of the Mousseux houses are based.
220
Why is limestone ideal for building out cellars?
It is easy to quarry out and provides an all around constant, cool temperature
221
Why does it make more sense to group Anjou with Pays Nantais rather than Saumur, geographically speaking?
Both Anjou and Pays Nantais are part of the hard, igneous rock of Brittany - very different from the clay and limestone of the Paris Basin that runs eastward from just beyond the small town of Doué la Fontaine. Here in Anjou you will find slate, schist, phyllite and various carboniferous rocks. Unlike Saumur and Touraine there are very few underground cellars as the rock is just too hard to quarry out - just the opposite of the limestone of further east where they are commonplace.
222
In what region and on what soils does Cabernet Sauvignon ripen best in the Loire?
On schist soils in Anjou.
223
What are the communes of production for Savennieres?
Bouchemaine , La Possonnière , Savennières
224
What is the maximum RS for Savennieres?
There is no maximum RS; while dry styles are most common, sweet are allowed. If labeled sec, must be below 8 g/L RS (if acid is within 2 g/L, otherwise 4 g/L is the max)
225
Is manual harvesting required in Savennieres?
YES!
226
What are the maximum yields for Savennieres?
Sec/demi-sec: 50 hl/ha
| Moelleux/doux: 35 hl/ha
227
If a wine is labeled Vouvray Moelleux, what is the maximum residual sugar? Doux/liquereux? Demi-Sec? Sec?
Sec: max. 8 g/L
Demi-Sec: 8-18 g/L
Moelleux: 18-45 g/L
Doux/Liquereux: 45+
228
What larger AOP is Bonnezeaux within?
Coteaux du Layon
229
What is the min. must weight and residual sugar for Bonnezeaux?
RS -- 51 g/L
| Must weight -- 238 g/L
230
What are the minimum must weights for Coteaux du Layon, Coteaux du Layon SGN, Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume, and Coteaux du Layon (with other geographic designation)?
CdL: 221 g/L
CdL SGN: 323 g/L
CdL 1er Cru Chaume: 272 g/L
CdL (other geographic designation): 238 g/L
231
What is the minimum RS for Coteaux du Layon?
34 g/L
| CdL 1er Cru Chaume: 80 g/L (68 g/L prior to 2011)
232
Is chaptalization allowed in Coteaux du Layon?
Yes, but not for Chaume 1er Cru or SGN
233
What is the commune of Quarts de Chaume?
Rochefort-sur-Loire
234
What are the three lieux-dits of Quarts de Chaume?
Les Quarts
Les Roueres
Le Veau
235
What are the primary and supporting varieties for Anjou rouge?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with up to 30% Grolleau and Pineau d'Aunis (max. 10% Grolleau)
236
What do Anjou Noir and Anjou Blanc describe in terms of soil types, and where are these terms used?
"Anjou Noir": dark schist
"Anjou Blanc": limestone
Anjou Villages Brissac
237
What styles of wine are made in the Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOP?
Exclusively sweet white wine (min. 34 g/L RS) from Chenin Blanc
238
What are the three departments that encompass Anjou?
Maine-et-Loire, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne
239
What styles of wine are made in the Cabernet d'Anjou AOP?
Exclusively off-dry rose from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with at least 10 g/L RS
240
What styles of wine are made in the Cabernet de Saumur AOP?
Exclusively off-dry rose from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with at least 7 g/L RS
241
What appellation does Coteaux de l'Aubance share geographic borders with?
Anjou-Villages Brissac
242
What is the minimum must weight and residual sugar for Coteaux de l'Aubance?
238 g/L (SGN -- 323 g/L)
| 34 g/L
243
What styles of wine and with what grapes are made in Coteaux du Saumur?
Sweet white wine (min. 34 g/L RS, 238 g/L must weight) from 100% Chenin Blanc
244
What styles/grapes are allowed in the Haut-Poitou AOP?
Dry red, white, and rose. Whites from primarily Sauvignon Blanc, reds and roses from primarily Cabernet Franc
245
What are the three distinct sections of Coulee de Serrant?
Grand Clos de la Coulée, the Clos du Château, and Les Plantes
246
What is the maximum residual sugar for Coulee de Serrant sec and Roche aux Moines sec?
4 g/L
247
Is chaptalization allowed in Savennieres or any of its sub-AOPs?
Savennieres: not allowed for wines of demi-sec or greater sweetness
Coulee de Serrant and Roche aux Moines: prohibited for all wine
248
What are the assemblage restrictions for Cremant d'Loire?
No more than 30% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis
249
What are the departments of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?
Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire
250
What is the minimum alcohol for Muscadet Sevre et Maine? With a subzone designation?
10%/11%
251
What are the elevage requirements for the subzones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?
Le Pallet: Wines must be aged on their fine lees until at least April 2 of the second year following the harvest
Gorges and Clisson: Wines must be aged on their fine lees until at least November 1 of the second year following the harvest
252
What are the differences in soil type between the 3 subzones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?
Clisson: Granite
Gorges: Clay and gabbro (igneous rock)
Le Pallet: Gneiss, quartz, and gabbro
253
May all four appellations for Muscadet be labeled sur lie?
Yes, though the grapes have to come from land that qualifies as one of the three sub-apps
254
What are the assemblage requirements for Gros Plant du Pays Nantais?
Min. 70% Folle Blanche (Gros Plant); plus Montils and a max. 10% Colombard
255
What appellations for grapes beyond Melon can be labeled "sur lie"?
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais
256
What are the five non-contiguous zones of Fiefs Vendeens?
Brem, Chatonnay, Mareuil, Pissotte and Vix
257
What is Ragoutant?
A synonym for Negrette in Fiefs Vendeens.
258
Champagne being extremely expensive today, could you recommend some producers for a dry white sparkling from the Loire? and an alternative to a Lambrusco-style?
A lot of appellations can produce sparkling but Cremant de Loire, Saumur, Vouvray would be the best, especially from Domaine Huet, Clos Naudin, Vincent Careme for Vouvray - Ackerman, Bouvet-Ladubay, Veuve Amiot, Langlois-Chateau, Louis de Grenelle, Gratien-Meyer for Saumur and Cremant de Loire. If you are looking for a "Lambrusco-style" red sparkling from the Loire, you should enjoy Bouvet-Ladubay cuvee Rubis or Gratien-Meyer cuvee Cardinal
259
Associated each commune with its appellation.
a. Vix
b. St Aubin du Luigne
c. Brissac-Quince
d. Cravant les Coteaux
e. Varrains
f. Chavignol
a. Vix - Fiefs Vendeens Clisson - Muscadet
b. St Aubin - Coteaux du Layon
c. Brissac-Quince - Anjou-Brissac and Coteaux de l'Aubance
d. Cravant les Coteaux – Chinon
e. Varrains - Saumur-Champigny
f. Chavignol - Sancerre
260
What are the two main trellising methods used in the Quarts de Chaume AOP?
Double Guyot & Gobelet
261
What are the AOPs of the Central Vineyards that are designated for white wine only?
Pouilly-Sur Loire, Pouilly-Fumé, and Quincy
262
What Saumur house is owned by Bollinger?
Langlois-Chateau
263
Who makes the following cuvees?
a. Clos De La Dioterie
b. Clos De La Neore
c. Les Romains
d. Clos Du Calvaire
e. Asteroide
f. Clos Cristal
a. Clos De La Dioterie = Charles Joguet
b. Clos De La Neore = Edmond Vatan
c. Les Romains = Domaine Vacheron
d. Clos Du Calvaire = Didier / Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau (Very Rare)
e. Asteroide = Didier / Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau (The Rarest)
f. Clos Cristal = Clos Cristal / Hospices De Saumur
264
If I would like to enjoy a white dessert-wine from the Anjou, which one should I consider? which one should be the potentially less sweet? The most? And a rosé? You have in fact a lot of choices, but the most famous wines would be.
² Coteaux du Layon - min 34g/l but SGN possible (min must weight 323)
² Coteaux du Layon Village - min 34g/l but SGN possible (min must weight 323)
² Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru - 80 g/l (68 g/l prior to 2011)
² Coteaux de L'aubance - min 34g/l but SGN possible (min must weight 323)
² Anjou Coteaux de La Loire - min 34g/l
² Bonnezeaux - min 51 g/l, chaptalization authorized NO SGN designation
² Quarts-de-Chaume - 85 g/l (34 g/l prior to 2011) - cryoextraction and chaptalization prohibited
so anjou coteaux de la loire would be my pick for the less sweet - because of the exposition of the grapes and the minor botrytis affectation - and for the most no question quarts de chaume - especially chateau de suronde. Other appellations can produce wines with residual sugars but it is less and less the case (Savennieres for example, or just Anjou AOP) For the rosé, Cabernet d'Anjou is the answer, perfect with a strawberry-based dessert - it needs to have a min of 10 g/l of sugar
265
Who makes Clos Naudin?
Phillipe Foreau, Vouvray -- sometimes the estate is referred to as Domaine du Clos Naudin, even though the vineyard does not make up a majority of the holdings.
266
Name the three single vineyard sites that Huet makes wine from?
Le Haut Lieu, Clos du Bourg, Le Mont
267
What is the minimum alcohol for Savennieres (sec)?
11.5% potential, 11% acquired
268
In what Loire appellation would you find Negrette? What other appellation in France is this grape dominant?
Fiefs Vendeens; Fronton
269
Where would you find the grape Sacy and what is a synonym?
Saint Pourcain AOP in the Loire Valley; Tressalier
270
Is chaptalization allowed in Coteaux du Layon?
Yes, it is permitted except for Chaume Premier Cru & SGN
271
What is the largest estate in Saumur-Champigny?
Domaine Filliatreau
272
What Anjou AOPs must be harvested in tries?
```
Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire
Bonnezeaux
Coteaux de l’Aubance
Coteaux de Saumur
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon,
Coteaux du Layon SGN (with or without village designation)
Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru
Coteaux du Layon (with other village designation)}
Quarts de Chaume
```
273
Can Anjou wines be labeled as Saumur?
No, but Saumur wines may be labeled as Anjou.
274
What two vineyards does Baumard source from for their Savennieres?
Clos Ste Yves and Clos du Papillon
275
Where in the Loire is the vineyard Clos Ste Catherine and who most notably makes wines from it?
In Coteaux du Layon (specifically the northern portion, near Rochefort-sur-Loire). Baumard makes a single vineyard Clos Ste Catherine
276
Who makes Cuvee le Paon, and what is it?
Baumard, Coteaux du Layon, only in select vintages (1997, 2004, 2005 recently)
277
What is the name of Baumard's entry level Coteaux du Layon?
Carte d'Or
278
What AOP is closest to Allier?
Saint Pourcain AOP
279
Where would you find Les Loges?
It's a commune of Pouilly Fume.
280
What is the coolest region in France to grown Chenin Blanc?
Jasnieres
281
What geographic feature marks the boundary between Touraine and Anjou?
Where the Vienne meets the Loire.
282
What larger appellation does Coteaux du Saumur lie within?
Saumur-Champigny
283
If growers in Savennieres or Coteaux du Layon want to make red wine, what can they release it as?
Anjou-Gamay or Anjou-Villages
284
What vine disease is called by too much lime in the soil, and where is this common?
Chlorosis; Saumur
285
Order from east to west: Quincy, Pouilly Fume, Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, Reuilly
Pouilly Fume, Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, Reuilly
286
What are the maximum yields for Savennieres sec/demi-sec? Moelleux/doux?
Sec/demi-sec: 50 hl/ha
| Moelleux/doux: 35 hl/ha
287
Compare the size of Coteaux de l'Aubance and Coteaux du Layon?
Coteaux de l'Aubance is relatively small -- 200 ha -- compared to Coteaux du Layon, which is 1500 ha.
288
Which does botrytis occur more, Quarts de Chaume or Bonnezaux?
Quarts de Chaume; Bonnezeaux is more likely to be affected by passerillage
289
Where would you find the vineyard Chêne Marchand, and who makes wine from it?
Sancerre; Pascal Jolivet & Lucien Crochet
290
What non-Melon AOP occupies the same area as Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP?
Coteaux d'Ancenis
291
The cru commonaux of Muscadet lie along what river?
The Sevre
292
What is the furthest south appellation of the Pays Nantains?
Fiefs Vendeens
293
What AOP does Gros Plant du Pays Nantais share boundaries with?
Muscadet AOP
294
What are the minimum potential alcohols for the following appellations: Coteaux du Layon, Coteaux du Layon SGN, Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru, Coteaux du Layon (with village designation), Quarts de Chaume, Bonnezeaux, Coteaux l'Aubance.
Coteaux du Layon: 14%
Coteaux du Layon SGN (with or without village designation): 19%
Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru: 16.5%
Coteaux du Layon (with other village designation): 15%
Quarts de Chaume: 18%
Bonnezeaux: 15%
Coteaux l'Aubance: 14%
295
What appellation lies just west of Savennieres, straddling both sides of the Loire?
Anjou Coteaux de la Loire
296
What are the max yields for Quarts de Chaume?
20 hl/ha (25 hl/ha prior to 2011)
