Loire

Question 1

Climate

Answer 1

• Nantais: maritime
• Anjou-Saumur: drier
• Touraine/Central Vineyards: cool Continental

Question 2

Weather hazards

Answer 2

• rainfall > fungal disease

Question 3

Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 3

• dry
• high acid
• green apple, wet stone, smokey
• sometimes fermented/aged in old oak
• sometimes lees added for texture
• MLF encouraged in cold vintages to reduce acid
• usually not ageworthy
• gentle pneumatic press
• temperature controlled stainless steel vats
• regions: Central Vineyards (Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, Menetou Salon), Touraine (less concentrated, simple, fruity style)

Question 4

Chenin Blanc

Answer 4

• high acid
• non aromatic
• dry: steely, smokey
• sweet: noble rot > apricot, citrus peel
• sparkling: barely ripe grapes
• often residual sugar
• sometimes aged in oak
• ageworthy (honey, toast, hay)
• different ripeness levels within one bunch > green, herbaceous aromas if underripe not removed > several passes

Question 5

Vouvray Chenin Blanc

Answer 5

• light to medium body
• fresh fruit, floral
• rarely fermented or matured in new oak

Question 6

Anjou Chenin Blanc

Answer 6

• Traditional method

- often matured in new oak