Loire

Question 1

What type of weather is a particular hazard in the Pays Nantais region?

Answer 1

Spring Frosts

Question 2

Which 2 hazards is the Melon grape variety susceptible to?

Answer 2

Downy Mildew

Botrytis Bunch Rot

Question 3

Up to what percentage ABV is chaptalization permitted in Pays Nantais?

Answer 3

12% abv potential alcohol

Question 4

In what kind of vessels is Muscadet typically fermented in?

Answer 4

Glass-lined Concrete VATS

Question 5

There are two larger appellations in the Pays Nantais and two smaller ones. What are they?

Answer 5

Larger = Muscadet, Muscadet sevre et main
Smaller =  Muscadet coteaux de la Loire, Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu

Question 6

What are the most important grape varieties in the middle Loire?

Answer 6

Chenin Blanc

Cabernet Franc

Question 7

What is the name of the river in Anjou?

And what effect does it have?

Answer 7

River Layon
The river’s multiple tributaries help to create the misty conditions ideal for the spread of botrytis at the end of the growing season.

Question 8

Describe the style and expectation of Coteaux de Layon wine

Answer 8

Specializes in wines made from botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc grapes.
If botrytis fails to develop, the grapes may also be dried on the vine.
The wines are sweet with high acidity, medium (+) body and medium alcohol.
The prices range from mid-priced to premium.

Question 9

Describe the topography, soils, max yield and style of Savannieres

Answer 9

This is a small but prestigious appellation mainly specialising in dry wine made from Chenin Blanc.
They can be very austere in youth and historically have required many years in bottle before they became approachable.
South-facing slopes
Low-fertility, rocky Schist soils
50 hl/ha

Question 10

What are the 2 smaller AOC’s within the Savannieres appellation area and what do they have in common?

Answer 10

Savannieres La Roche aux Moines AOC
Coulee de Serrant AOC
Both benefit from warm sites on slopes facing the Loire = riper fruit
Lower max yield requirements - 30 hl/ha for dry wines

Question 11

Grape varieties, max yield and sweetness level of Rose de Loire

Answer 11

Range of varieties including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Grolleau Noir.
60 hl/ha
The wines are dry.

Question 12

Grape varieties, max yield and sweetness level of Rose d’Anjou

Answer 12

Mainly made from Grolleau though other options include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cot and Gamay.
65 hl/ha
The wines are medium-dry.

Question 13

Grape varieties, max yield, colour and sweetness level of Cabernet d’Anjou

Answer 13

Must be made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
60 hl/ha
The wines are typically a deeper colour than most rosé (medium pink) and medium-dry.

Question 14

Name the sweet wine appellations within Coteaux du Layon AOC (as well as the appellation as a whole) with the maximum yields that apply to them.

Answer 14

Coteaux du Layon AOC - 35 hl/ha
Coteaux du Layon AOC + named village - 30 hl/ha
Bonnezeaux AOC - 25 hl/ha
Coteaux du Layon AOC Premier Cru Chaume - 25 hl/ha
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC - 20 hl/ha

Question 15

Describe Caillottes, where it’s found and it’s relation to wines produced

Answer 15

Sancerre
Very shallow soils over limestone.
Fruit grown on these soils are said to produce the most aromatic wines that are first to be ready to drink and to have less potential for ageing in the bottle.

Question 16

Describe Terres Blanches, where it’s found and it’s relation to wines produced

Answer 16

Sancerre
The same limestone and marl that is to be found in Chablis.
Fruit grown on these soils are said to produce the most structured wines that need long maturation before they are ready to drink and age well.

Question 17

Describe Silex, where it’s found and it’s relation to wines produced

Answer 17

Sancerre
Flinty soils that accumulates heat and leads to early ripening.
Fruit grown on these soils are said to produce mineral and smoky wines.

Question 18

What is the local name for the Folle Blanche grape variety?

Answer 18

Gros Plant

Question 19

What type of climate does the Pays Nantais region have?

Answer 19

Cool maritime

Question 20

What is the rule on bottling sur lie wines (when and where?)

Answer 20

Sur lie wines must be bottled between 1 March and 30 November of the year following harvest and in the winery in which they were made.

Question 21

What affect does ageing on the lees have to the wine (Muscadet)

Answer 21

Ageing on the lees increases the body and mouthfeel of the wine while retaining freshness and sometimes a small amount of carbon dioxide, which is part of the style of these wines.

Question 22

What are the two most important grape varieties grown in the Central Vineyards?

Answer 22

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir

Question 23

Fermentation temperatures for Sauvignon Blanc based white wines from the Central Vineyards are usually higher or lower than in the New World?

Answer 23

Higher