Loire Flashcards
Describe the location Loire River
- Originates in the Massif Central in the middle of France
- Goes through Orleans, ends at the Bay of Biscay
- longest river in France
What was the Loure Valley known as during Renaissance? When were grapes first dochmented in the Loire?
- Known as the “Jardin de la France” (Garden of France) during the French Renaissance for its lush gardens
- 1534 First documentation of grape varieties, Chenin Blanc & Cabernet Franc
Who introduced vines in Pays Nantais
The Romans are credited with the introduction of vines 2,000 years ago
Who established the vineyards and when
- Vineyards were established by the 5th century by romans?
- Augustinian & Benedictine monks planted more vineyards as well
Why did the Loire become an important center of society during the Middle Ages?
- its proximity to important trade routes as well as Paris & England
- the wines were prized by nobility
- by the 11th century the wines were being exported to England
What was the Loire Valley known as during the French Renaissance?
- “Jardin de la France” Garden of France
- for its lush gardens
Who documented the first grape varieties, when & which ones
- 1534 Francois Rabelais in Gargantua and Pantagruel
- Pineau de la Loire (Chenin Blanc) & Breton (Cab Franc)
Who later expressed interest once royal focus shifted from the Loire
Dutch Merchants
What caused Melon B to be planted more widely
- A frost in 1709 killing vines throughout the region
- Melon B is frost-hardy
When did Phylloxera hit
-1880s
What effect did the French Rail system have on the Loire
-during the 19th century the rail system replaced river transport increasing competition from other wine regions
When was the first AOC in the Loire & what effect did it have on the region?
- 1936
- encouraged improvements to winemaking:
- pneumatic press & temperature-controlled fermentation in the 70s & 80s especially in Sancerre
What sites were declared an UNESCO World Heritage site
-in 2000, Sully-sur-Loire & Chalonnes
General Loire AOC Stats & name varietals
- more white wine than any other region in France
- second only to Champagne for sparkling wine production
- second largest producer of Rose
- 25% Cab Franc
- 15% Sauvignon Blanc
- 15% Chenin Blanc
- 14% Melon B
- 24 varieties are permitted
General wine style
- Enormous diversity of grapes & wine styles
- generally they all share a lighter body and vibrant acidity
- a result of growing grapes at the edge of where ripeness is possible
Describe Chenin Blanc
- native to Anjou
- offspring of Savagnin
- early budding & susceptible to frost
- uneven ripening within a cluster is a common trait of the variety
- versatile
- botrytis prone
- typically fermented in large oak or stainless steel tanks, ML & New oak are generally avoided
- Synonyms: Pineau de Loire, Gros Pineau, Plant d’Anjou
Chenin Blanc still wine descriptors
Descriptor: Yellow apple/pear, Quince, Tropical, White Flowers, Chamomile, Straw, Steely, Wet Stones, Soft Cheese, Mushroom, Wet Wool, Ginger, Honey
Structure: Elevated acidity, alcohol & Body depending on style
Chenin Blanc Sparkling Wine descriptors
Descriptor:
Green apple, citrus, toast, wet wool, wet stones, honey
Structure:
Elevated acid, alcohol & Body, vary with style
Melon B
- old, native Burgundian that was introduced to the monks in the Loire in the 17th century
- the principal grape grown in Pays Nantais & often mistakenly called Muscadet
- offspring of Pinot & Gouias Blanc
- Hardy high-yielding grape that does well in the challenging vineyards in Pays Nantais
- Many wines are simple & easy drinking but some producers are experimenting with Sur Lie Aging
- Synonyms: Melon de Bourgogne, Plant de Bourgogne, Latran
Melon B Descriptors
Descriptors:
Neutral, Lemon, Lime, Green Apple/Pear, Underripe Stone fruit, Wet Stones, Saline
-If Sur Lie, yeast, sourdough, sour beer
Structure:
Elevated Acid, Diminished Alcohol & Body,
-Full body if Sur Lie
Sauvignon Blanc
-Native to the Loire
-Offspring of Savagnin
-First mentioned 500 yrs ago in Touraine by its historical synonym “Fiers”
-Touraine does produce good quality but the best is from the Central Vineyards
-a vigorous variety & must be managed carefully to avoid overtly vegetal or herbaceous flavors
-typically fermented & aged in neutral vessels, ML is avoided
Synonyms: Blanc Fumé
Sauvignon Blanc Descriptors
Descriptor: Tart citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime), Tart Tree Fruit ( Green apple/pear), Cut grass, green herbs, wet stones, smoke, flint
Structure:
Elevated Acid, Moderate Alcohol, Diminished Body, Dry
Cabernet Franc
-Basque origin
-Likely been in the Loire for a millenium
-Used to make sparkling, rose, & red wines that range in style from light & Fruity to tannic & Full bodied
-Broad expressions from Chinon & Saumur-Champgny, structured & ageworthy
-Still reds are often fermented in large-format concrete, stainless steel, or old oak tanks
-New oak is avoided with some exceptions
Synonym: Breton
Cabernet Franc Descriptors
Descriptors:
Raspberry, violet, savory herbs, blackcurrant leaf, pencil shavings, tobacco
Structure:
Elevated acid, Mod Alcohol, Mod body, diminished to mod tannin
Gamay
- Burgundy native
- Crossing of Gouias Blanc & Pinot
- early flowering, & susceptible to frost
- widely planted in the Touraine & Anjou
- Fruit blending component for red, rose & sparkling
- often undergoes semi-carbonic maceration
Gamay Descriptors
Descriptor:
Tart red fruits (Strawberry, Red cherry, Cranberry, Raspberry), lifted red floral
Structure:
Elevated Acid, mod Alcohol, Mod Body, Diminished to moderate tannin
Four main regions of the Loire (E-W)
- Central Loire
- Touraine
- Anjou-Saumur
- Pays Nantais
Loire growing conditions
- Northern edge of growing territory
- cool climate due to high latitude
- grapes may not always ripen reliably
- chaptalization is practiced when necessary
Name moderating influences of the Loire
- vineyards situated on slopes & plateaus that line the Loire River & tributaries
- The river & waters act as moderates, reflecting light onto the vineyards
- proximity to the Atlantic, Pays Nantais & Anjou have a maritime climate. Experiencing moderate winers & warm, humid summers
- moving inland the climate becomes more continental. Warmer summers & Freezing winters, less influenced but the Atlantic
- Central Loire has little influence from Atlantic and experiences more typical four season, shorter growing season but warmer summers
Viticultural Risks
- prone to spring frost, hilly regions & higher elevation vineyards are less prone than low-lying areas
- hail during growing season
- rain during growing season which can cause mildew (especially in Pays Nantais)
- humidity from the river can create ideal conditions for Botrytis
- significant vintage variation, in terms of yields, quality & wine styles
- cooler vintages tend to produce more sparkling & rose with drier whites
- warmer vintages produce fuller-bodied reds, & sweet wines (becoming more common due to climate change)
Soils of Loire
- Two major geological regions
- The area west of Angers, lies on Armorican Massif
- metamorphic, gneiss, schist, granite & slate - Area east of Angers lies on the Paris Basin
- same formation as Champagne & Chablis, sedimentary often with calcareous subsoil
Location from West to East of villages
Pays Nantais/ Anjou-Saumur/ Touraine/ Central Vineyards
Wine Law
- INAO(Institue National des Appellations d’Origine) created in 1935. They create/regulate AOC in France
- regulations are communicated through “Cahier des Charges”, which clearly outlines rules & requirements ex:
- varieties, vine density, yield requirements…. - Vin de France or Vin de Pays (no geographical indication)
- least restrictive and most popular with natural & experimental winemakers - IGP (85% of grapes must come from the listed region)
- AOC (100% of grapes from the listed region)
- 51 in Loire
Name Loire Grand Cru & Premier Cru
Grand Cru: Quartas de Chaume
1er Cru: Chaume AOC
Describe Crémant de Loire
- traditional method sparkling produced in Anjoe-Saumur & Touraine
- mostly focused in Saumur - most wines are white, however rosé is permitted
- Chenin Blanc dominant but may also include Chardonnay as other grapes grown in the region
Crémant de Loire production rules
- grapes must be hand picked
- min of 9 months bottle aging on lees
- 12 month maturation after tirage prior to release
- range of sweetness levels
Rosé de Loire
- bright pink dry style of rosé
- made from Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Grolleau and other grapes
- production is centered in Anjou, but can be made anywhere in the Anjou AOC & Touraine AOC
Rosé d’Anjou & Cabernet d’Anjou
- made in a medium-dry style
- Rosé d’Anjou is a pink-orange rose made principally from Grolleau
- Caberenet d’Anjou is deeper colored and made from both Cab F & Cab S resulting in high-acid age worthy wines
Loire Valley Stats
- third largest wine region by volume in France
- volumes fluctuate wildly depending on vintage conditions
- 44% of the wine produced is white
- 25% is rose
- 18% is red
- 12% is sparkling
Wineries general size & practices
- small, family owned
- negociants (50%) & co-ops (10%) play a big role
Regional Fruits & Veggies
- known for orchard & Stone fruits (especially peaches from Chinon)
- strawberries, mâche, leeks, mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes, saffron
Huîtres (oysters)
Nantais specialty, classic pairing is Muscadet
Beurre Blanc
- white sauce made from butter & wine, commonly served on fish
- Muscadet, Savennières & Sancerre are good pairings
Fleur de Sel
cranky, flaky sea salt
Tarte Tatin
- upside-down caramelized apple tart
- pairs well with sweet, acidic dessert wines of Coteaux du Layon
- speciality of Touraine
Nougat
almond cake with apricot jam & dried fruits in Tours
Poires Tapées
- pears that have been dried & flattened
- speciality of Rivarennes (near Tours)
- often rehydrated in Vouvray or eau de vie as a component of protein-based starters and desserts
Rillettes
- rich, coarse pork pâté
- acidity of drier styles of Vouvray or Cinon cut its fatq
Fouaces (Fouées)
-fluffy roles spiced with saffron, may be stuffed with rillettes or goat cheese
Pithiviers
- rich, round puff pastry stuffed with sweet or savory filling
- almond paste & game meat are two traditional stuffings
Sweet Wines
- varying styles from off-dry to liquoreux
- have bracing acidity that can help cut richness in food
Central Vineyards AOC
- Sancerre
- Pouilly- Fumé
- Quincy
- Reuilly
Central Vineyard climate
- Continental climate (growing season & harvest start later)
- Northeasterly winds bring cold air inland during winter & hot during summer
Central Vineyards grapes
- sauvignon blanc 85% (aka Blanc Fumé historically)
- pinot noir, tends to be lighter in color & intended for early drinking
- Sauv B is a vigorous variety, attentive canopy management can help reduce herbaceous flavors
- most fermented in stainless steel & unoaked
Dagueneau
- native of Pouilly, ex motorcycle racer & accomplished international dogsled racer
- one of the first in the area for single-parcel, terror-focused wines
- early adopter of biodynamics, believed in meticulous farming, low yields, denigrating rootstocks
- began fermenting Sauv B in barrels to facilitate lees contact & sometimes new oak
- wanted to create an ambitious & age worthy style of Sauv B
- died in 2008
Soils of Central Vineyards
- Silex (flint)
- Limestone
- Kimmerdigian clay
Sancerre (Location, Aspect, Climate, Soils)
Location:
- “left bank of the Loire” Western bank
- largest of Central Loire AOC
Aspect:
- cuestas (mountainous terrain) provide good drainage & help moderate the climate
- slopes can sometimes exceed 50% incline
-continental climate, moderated by the Loire river
Soil:
- Terres Blanches: white limestone clay (similar to soil in Chablis)
- contributes structure & power to wine - Caillottes: stony, gravelly limestone
- contributes aromatics, intended for early enjoyment - Silex: (flint)
- contributes fresh, ageworthy, flinty character to the wine
Styles of wine
- Sauvignon Blanc:
- more austere, lively, aromas of grapefruit, white flowers, green herbs & chalky minerality
Rosé & Red:
- exclusively P.N,
- Red: lighter than Burgundy on account of climate & higher yields
Styles of wine
- Sauvignon Blanc:
- more austere, lively, aromas of grapefruit, white flowers, green herbs & chalky minerality
Rosé & Red:
- exclusively P.N,
- Red: lighter than Burgundy on account of climate & higher yields
Pouilly-Fumé (location, aspect, climate, soil)
Location:
-Across the river from Sancerre (Eastern Bank of the River)
Aspect:
-flatter overal
Climate
-continental? (warm days, cool nights)
Soils:
- same as Sancerre
- Terres Blanches, Caillottes, Silex
Pouilly- Fumé Grapes & Styles
- Sauvignon Blanc only
- 100% dry wines
- frequently said to have a smoke quality to them
Touraine (location, aspect, climate,)
Location:
-centered around the city of Tours
Aspect:
concentrated on the slopes of the Loire and its tributaries
Climate:
-some influence from the Atlantic, but primarily continental
Grapes & Styles of Touraine
- 25% AOC designated wines
- 35% of the above is white wine (Chenin B or Sauvignon B)
- Reds are Cab Franc (Breton), Côt & Gamay
- Cab Franc aka Breton is concentrated in West Tourain
- Côt is more typical East of Tours
- Sparkling & rose are produced
Who wrote Gargantua & Pantagruel (1534)
François Rabelais, famed doctor, monk & writer who was from Chinon.
This book provides one of the first reliable references to the grapes growing in the Loire
Soils of Touraine
Tuffeau,
- chalky marine limestone - mined for centuries resulting in subterranean caves used today for wine storage - used during WW2
Perruches:
- stony, flinty clay soil, - adds elegance & finesse to wines - found at higher elevation on the tops of plateaus
Aubuis:
- stony, clay tuffeau limestone - found along the slopes of the coteaux - preferred for Chenin B & Cab Franc
Varennes:
- sandy, gravelly, alluvial deposits on the banks of the river - typically yields lighter, fruity wines
Touraine AOCs
- Chinon
- Bourgueil
- Vouvray
Chinon (location, aspect, climate)
Location:
- South of the Loire, on both sides of the Veinne River
Aspect:
- vineyards are concentrated on steep, south-facing hillsides on the North side of the Vienne
Climate:
- the most marine-influenced climate within Touraine
- warmest & driest of the appellations
- forest to the north & west shelter it from cold winds & cool air drains freely
Soils of Chinon
Soils:
- high limestone plateau above the Loire
Aubuis:
-clay limestone found on the slope of the chateaux
-yields wines that are full bodied & age worthy
Varennes
- sandy, gravelly alluvial soils
- yields wines that are light & elegant
Perruches
- flinty clay found on the highest elevation vineyards
- elegant wines with finesse
Chinon grapes & styles
- Red wine from Cab Franc aka Breton, is 85% of the regions wines
- wines are refreshing with aromas & flavors of raspberry, blackcurrant, anise, savory herbs, game & pencil shavings
- some rose production
Vouvray (location, aspect, climate, soil)
Location:
- directly East of Tours and bounded to the south by the Loire
Aspect:
- Brenne River runs through the region
- wine growing area is situated on a plateau on the rivers right bank providing favorable southern exposures
Climate:
- Considered the easternmost reach of the Atlantics influence
- river moderates the climate
Soil:
- Perruches
- Aubuis
Bourgeil (Location, grapes & style)
Location:
- North bank of the Loire
Grapes:
-Cab Franc
Style:
- dry red wines
Vouvray Grapes & Styles
- Chenin Blanc is the principle grape
- made in both sweet, dry & sparkling
- locally knows as Pineau de la Loire
- sweet wines are rarer and only produced in warm vintages, difficult to tell unless clearly indicated on the label
when is harvest in Vouvray
- can last until November
- one of the latest in France
- grapes may be picked in several passes to select for the desired level of ripeness
sparkling wine in Vouvray
- 60% of vouvray’s production
- in cooler vintages even more is produced
- traditional method with second fermentation in bottle
- elevated acid, moderate alcohol, medium body
- flavors & aromas of golden apple, quince, yellow pear, apricot, orange blossom, chamomile, wet wool & wet stones
- can be oxidized and botrytis-influenced
- some are moelleux(sparkling) but others are pettillant(semi-sparkling)
Vouvray wine law, what grape besides Chenin Blanc is allowed?
up to 5% Arbois is allowed in both still & sparkling wines
Anjou-Saumur (location, aspect, climate, soil)
Location:
- East of the Pays Nantais
- Anjou lies to the west & is centered around the city of Angers
- Saumur and its associated region are upriver from Anjour
Aspect:
- situated on the Loire or its tributaries, Layon & Aubance Rivers
- misty conditions along the rivers, forests that protect from winds create perfect conditions for noble rot
Climate:
- maritime/continental (shifting to the latter inland)
- milder & more ocean influenced than in neighboring Touraine
- sunny with low rainfall
- Massif des Maures offers shelter from the SW
Anjou-Saumur grapes & styles
- rose & sparkling wines are the bulk of production
- Saumur production is mostly sparkling
- Anjou-Saumur has some of the fullest expressions of Chenin Blanc in the world
- reed wines made of Cab Franc
Anjou (location, soil)
Location:
-western portion of Anjou-Saumur (Anjou AOC covers the entire region)
Soil:
- Anjou Noir: dark schist & slate (West part of region)
- Anjou Blanc: Tuffeau clay-limestone (Eastern part of the region)
Anjou Grapes & Style
- 60% of production is red, still white & sparkling is also made
- Red wines are based on Cab F & Cab S, may also include Pineau Aunis & Grolleau, 100% Gamay is also produced
- Whites are Chenin B based and made in a range of styles
- Anjou is best known as a rosé producing region, styles include:
- Rosé de Loire
- Rosé d’Anjou
- Cabernet d’Anjou
How is rosé made in Anjou
Direct Press: whole grape clusters loaded into the press, juice is fermented off of the skins, as is typically for white wine production
Saignée: grapes are macerated on the skins for a short time before pressing, giving the wines a deeper color. Fermentation proceeds off of the skins
Saumur (Location, climate, soil)
Location:
- the small area upriver from Anjou, centered around the commune Saumur
Climate:
- continental, sheltered from the west by the Massif des Mauges
Soil:
- chalky aubuis soils
Saumur Grapes & Styles
- cool climate causes grapes to struggle to ripen
- encourages sparkling production, which makes up 60% of Saumur AOC production
- Sparkling wines are made with traditional method & aged for 9 months on the lees prior to disgorgement
- made with Chenin B & Cab F
- still reds, white & rose are made from Chenin & Cab F
Savenniéres (location, climate, aspect, soil)
Location:
- tiny region on the right bank, north of the Loire
Climate:
- conductive to early ripening & produces fully mature Chenin B
Aspect:
- steep, South-facing slopes above the Loire
Soil:
- shallow & rocky, blue schist & sand
What are the 3 communes of Savenniéres
- Savenniéres
- Bouchemaine
- la Possonniére
Savenniéres Grapes & styles
- only white wines 100% Chenin B
- mostly dry with concentrated aromas & flavors of pear, quince, chamomile, beeswax, wet wool, wet stones
- tends to be more oxidative than Vouvray, notes of honey, bruised apple, cheese rind, almonds, slightly deeper color w age
- may also have flavored contributed by botrytis, ginger, orange marmalade
- wines can be made in sweeter styles, but less common
- typical for wines to be aged in neutral vessels w ML blocked, however some producers are experimenting with a small amount of New Oak & ML
Savenniéres AOC Law
- hand-harvesting is required, necessitates several passes for optimum ripeness
Name the 2 vineyards with their own AOC status & when
2011
-Savenniéres Roche Aux Moines (middle of Savenniéres & around 20 hectares)
- Coulée de Serrant (directly East of Roche Aux Moines & is 7 hectares)
- owned by the Joly family, winemaker Nicolas Holy is considered the father of biodynamics within France
1er Cru Chaume
- the Loire’s only 1er Cru
- in the commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire, East side of the Layon
- within the Coteaux du Layon AOC (Anjou-Saumur)
- 100% Chenin B, sweet wines, either made with passerillage (dehydration) or Botrytis affected
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC (soil, aspect, climate, location, grape & style)
Location:
-Loire’s only Grand Cru
- within the Coteaux du Layon AOC (Anjou-Saumur)
Aspect:
- South-facing portion of 1er Chaume that lies closest to the river
-intense sunlight reflected from the river
Climate:
- humid climate due to proximity of two rivers
Soil:
- schist & galet soil
Grapes/Style:
-100% Chenin Blanc, late harvest, botrytis affected
Bonnezeaux AOC (location, aspect, climate, grapes & styles)
Location:
- Within the Coteaux du Layon (Anjou-Saumur), on the E side of the Layon river
Aspect:
steep, south facing slopes that promote ripening
Climate:
- humid due to proximity of two rivers
Grapes/Style:
- 100% Chenin Blanc, late-harvest, botrytis affected sweet wines
What style of wines are made in the Coteaux du Layon within Anjou-Saumur
Sweet white wines
What vineyard is a monopole owned by the Joly family
Quarts de Chaume
Nantais (Pays-Nantais) (location, aspect, climate, soil)
Location:
- extend westward from Anjou to the Atlantic Ocean
- where the Loire River deposits into the Atlantic
- centered around the town of Nantes
Aspect:
- rolling hills
Climate:
- cool & wet maritime
- affected heavily by proximity to the Atlantic
Soil:
- gravel & sand over schist & granite
Nantais Grapes & Styles
- 96% of wines made are dry whites
- Red & rose made from Gamay
Nantais AOCs
- Muscadet AOP
- Muscadet Sévre-et Maine AOP
Muscadet (location, climate, aspect, soil)
Location:
- on the tributaries of the Sévre & Maine rivers
Aspect:
-rolling hills
Climate:
- maritime due to the influence of the Atlantic only 50 km away
- bodies of water temper the climate, offering protection against frost & temperature swings
- moisture management is a challenge, can cause poor fruit set or rot due to excess rainfall
Soil:
- compressed sandstone, igneous & alluvial deposits
Muscadet grapes & styles (general)
- white wines only from Melon B
- 90-100% varietally labeled depending on appellation
- classically, these wines were aged on lees over the winter, if kept on the lees until March -November the year following the harvest they may be labeled as Sur lie by appellation law
Muscadet AOC
- most general appellation but not as utilized as others
- allows blending of Chardonnay w/ Melon B
- as of the 2020 vintage, following the requirements of the sur lie designation (used for almost all of production) does not qualify a wine for this basic AOC???
Muscadet Sévre -et- Maine AOC & its crus
- 65% of Muscadet is produced in this appellation
- roughly half of production qualifies for Sur lie designation
- 100% Melon B
- 7 Crus in this AOC:
- Muscadet Sévre- et- Maine Clisson (2001)
- Gorges (2001)
- Le Pallet (2001)
- Chateau- Thebaud (2019)
- Goulaine (2019)
- Monniéres- Saint- Fiacre (2019)
- Mouzillon- Tillieres (2019)
Describe the 3 crus of Muscad et Sévre- et-Maine from 2001
- Muscadet Sévre- et- Maine Clisson:
Located in the southern portion of the appellation. Spans both the Sévre & Maine rivers & lies along a granite fault line that is covered with alluvial soil.
-Muscadet Sévre- et- Maine Gorges:
Just north & East of Clisson, spanning only along the Sévre. Soils here include clay, quarts, & gabbros (igneous rocky soil)
- Muscadet Sévre- et- Maine Le Pallet
North of Gorges on the north bank of the Sévre River. Primary soil is gneiss
Name two wines from Sancerre
2016 Vincent Gaudry “A Mi-Chemin”
2019 Pascal Cotat Sancerre “La Grande Damnes”
Name a wine from Chinon
2018 Domaine Baudry Chinon “Le Domaine”
Name a wine from Vouvray
2019 Domaine Huet “Le Mont” Vouvray
