France: Loire Valley

Question 1

Which subregion in the Loire has the highest percent of production?

Answer 1

Anjou-Saumur (48%)

Question 2

What are the two important white grapes of Pays Nantais?

Answer 2

Melon

Folle Blanche

Question 3

Describe the climate of the Pays Nantais.

Answer 3

Cool maritime with cool springs, warm/humid summers, threat of rain in growing season

Question 4

What is the biggest climatic problem in Pays Nantais, and what year in recent memory was the most affected?

Answer 4

Spring frosts; 1991; loss of export market to UK (loss of 2/3 of production)

Question 5

What is done to facilitate ripening in Pays Nantais?

Answer 5

Opening canopies for more sun exposure and airflow (sunburn risk though)

Question 6

What is the law concerning purchased fruit and labeling sur lie for Muscadet?

Answer 6

Wine has to be aged sur lie at the winery in which it was made, so no purchased fruit can be labeled sur lie

Question 7

What are the muscadet cru communaux, and what differentiates them from normal muscadet?

Answer 7

Clisson
Gorges
Le Pallet

Lower max yields, longer maturation time (but can’t be labeled sur lie because of later required bottling date)

Question 8

What percentage of sales do negociants make up in Pays Nantais?

Answer 8

Over 50%

Question 9

What unique geographical feature does Anjou have and what does it contribute?

Answer 9

River Layon and tributaries; creates misty conditions for development of botrytis

Question 10

Where is Gamay typically grown in the Loire?

Answer 10

Anjou, Touraine, Central Vineyards

Question 11

Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Loire?

Answer 11

Anjou; only on warmest sites. Blended with CF and in rosé blends.

Question 12

What are the minimum requirements for grapes in Anjou Blanc and Anjou Rouge?

Answer 12

80% Chenin blanc

70% CF + CS

Question 13

What type of wine is Anjou Villages?

Answer 13

Still red only, made from CF and CS, max 55hl/ha

Question 14

What are the 4 important appellations for sweet wines in Anjou?

Answer 14

Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon  + named village
Bonnezeaux 
Quarts de Chaume
(In order from least to most strict regulations)

Question 15

What changes to Anjou’s sweet wine appellations took place in 2019?

Answer 15

Quarts de Chaume became the Loire’s first Grand Cru

Coteaux du Layon AOC Chaume became first premier cru

Question 16

Describe the soils of Savennieres.

Answer 16

South facing slopes
Low fertility
Rocky, schist soils

Question 17

What are the two smaller AOCs within Savennieres? What differentiates them from the rest of the region?

Answer 17

Savennieres La Roche aux Moines
Coulee de Serrant
Lower max yields (30 hL/ha)

Question 18

What style of wine is Anjou-Saumur most known for?

Answer 18

Rosé

Question 19

What AOC is used for sweet wines in Saumur?

Answer 19

Coteaux de Saumur

Question 20

What are the key appellations within Touraine?

Answer 20

Touraine (+ 6 subzones)
Vouvray 
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Bourgueil (+ St Nic)
Chinon

Question 21

What geographical factors help mitigate frost risks in the Central Vineyards?

Answer 21

Steep hillside slopes
River
Nearby forests

Question 22

What are the three types of soil found in the Central Vineyards?

Answer 22

Caillottes (shallow soils over limestone; less aging potential; aromatic wines)
Terre Blanches (limestone/marl a la Chablis; structured, age worthy wines; most famous vyds)
Silex (flinty soils; accumulates heat for early ripening; mineral, smoky wines)

Question 23

How does Sancerre differ from the other appellations in the Central Vineyards?

Answer 23

More hills so slightly less prone to frost

Question 24

Describe the wine business trade within the Loire valley

Answer 24

Many important family owned businesses
Increasing amount of estates with a negociant arm
50% of all wine sold is from negociants