Loire Flashcards
1
Q
The Loire has a long history of winemaking and trading. Why?
A
Access to the Atlantic, home of French kings until Louis XIV and proximity to Paris. Wines being transported on the river before the coming of the railway.
2
Q
Name the distinct wine regions in Loire from inland moving downstream towards the Atlantic.
A
Sancerre, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, Pays Nantais
3
Q
The arrival of spring is how much sooner in Pays Nantais than in Sancerre? Why?
A
Two weeks. Mostly due to the Atlantic Ocean moderating the climate the further downstream you get.
4
Q
Principal variety in Pays Nantais? (3 synonyms if possible)
A
Melon (Melon de Bourgogne, Muscadet)
5
Q
Top five varieties in Pays Nantais?
A
Melon, Chardonnay, Gamay, Folle Blanche and Cabernet Franc
6
Q
In Pays Nantais a grape variety producing very acidic wines sold locally and nationally. Name it.
A
Folle Blanche
7
Q
What climate does Pays Nantais have?
A
Cool maritime climate
8
Q
Pays Nantais is threatened by rain throughout the whole growing season. What helps to offset the regular rainfall?
A
Well-drained soils.
9
Q
Despite the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean Pays Nantais often face a serious problem each spring. What?
A
Spring frost.
10
Q
What year did Pays Nantais have a devastating spring frost, and what did it lead to?
A
- Led to the loss of a booming export market to the UK.
11
Q
What are growers doing in Pays Nantais to fight spring frost (3)?
A
Wind machines, heaters and burning straw bales.
12
Q
In the Muscadet appellation in Pays Nantais, what is the only allowed variety?
A
Melon.
13
Q
In the humid climate of Pays Nantais two diseases thrive, two diseases that Melon is susceptible to. Which ones and how do growers fight them?
A
Downy mildew and botrytis bunch rot. Timely and repeated spraying.
14
Q
Tasting note for Melon?
A
High acidity, light body, medium to low alcohol, low intensity of green apple.
15
Q
Quality and price for Melon wines in Pays Nantais?
A
Acceptable to good (some very good). Inexpensive to mid-priced.
16
Q
From 2018 basic Muscadet AOC may include 10% of what variety?
A
Chardonnay
17
Q
Pays Nantais has a marginal climate. What is done in the vineyard to help ripen the grapes and fight diseases?
A
Canopies are more open to aid better air circulation. Leaf removal to make sure the grapes get as much sun as possible.
18
Q
To determine the harvest date of Melon in Pays Nantais growers nowadays pays special attention to what?
A
The ripeness of skins and seeds.
19
Q
Chaptalisation is allowed and used in cooler years in Pays Nantais, up to what abv of alcohol?
A
12%
20
Q
Muscadet is fermented in stainless steel but more famous to be fermented in what?
A
Underground, glass lined concrete vats.
21
Q
Why is Muscadet fermented in glass-lined underground concrete vats or stainless steel?
A
To keep the wine as neutral as possible and then age the wine on its lees.
22
Q
Malolactic conversion. Is it used in Pays Nantais or not? Elaborate.
A
Typically avoided, preserving the high acidity typical 0f the style.
23
Q
To raise the profile of Muscadet winemakers are experimenting with skin contact and different types of fermenting vessels. Name a few.
A
Concrete egg, barrel and amphora
24
Q
What is the name of the typical,winemaking technique used in Pays Nantais? Why is it used?
A
Sur lie. To fill out the body of the wine. Without keeping the wine on sir lie the style would be very light and thin.
25
Go through the sur lie process as it is used in Pays Nantais.
One racking is allowed after alcoholic fermentation to remove gross lees. The wine is then in contact with fine lees through the following winter until bottling.
26
Other than filling out the body what effects does sur lie have on the wines from Pays Nantais?
The wine retains freshness and may also retain a small amount of carbon dioxide. Part of the style.
27
Name the two largest appellations in Pays Nantais.
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC (Sèvre is a tributary river to Loire, the same goes for Maine) and Muscadet AOC.
28
Name the two smaller appellations in Pays Nantais.
Muscadet Coteau de la Loire AOC (the hills of Loire) and Muscadet côte de Grandlieu AOC (Grandlieu is a lake south-west of Nantes)
29
Max yield for Muscadet AOC?
70 hL/ha
30
Max yield for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC, Muscadet coteaux de la Loire AOC, Muscadet côtes de Grandlieu AOC and Muscadet sur lie?
55 hL/ha
31
Sweetness, intensity, acidity and body along with aromas for Muscadet wines?
Dry, with low intensity green apple and grassy notes. High acidity and light body.
32
Quality and price for Muscadet?
Acceptable to good and inexpensive in price.
33
Any of the four appellations in Pays Nantais can add “sur lie”. Between what 2 dates must sur lie be bottled? Why can’t négociants buy wine to be aged sur lie?
1 March and 30 November. The wine must be aged sur lie in the winery in which they were made, meaning a négociants can only buy grape, must or bottled wine.
34
Small, defined areas, often on the same bedrock has been launched in Muscadet . How many and what are they called as a group?
10 cru communaux
35
Name three cru communaux in Muscadet.
Clisson, Gorges, Le Pallet
36
In order to be allowed to put a cru communaux name on the bottle, all the grapes must be exclusively harvested from there (on a Muscadet wine). What is max yield for a cru communaux?
45 hL/ha
37
The cru communaux Le Pallet has to be kept on the lees for how long?
18 months
38
The cru communaux Clisson and Gorges has to be kept on the lees for how long?
24 months
39
Why aren’t the cru communaux’ s labelled with sur lie?
Due to their longer lees ageing they will be bottled after the 30 November which is the AOC regulation to be allowed to state sur lie on the bottle.
40
Muscadet was a huge success in the UK market during the 1980’s. What happened that put the success to a halt?
Devastating frost in 1991 pushed prices up when new world wines (Australia) were becoming popular.
41
How many percent is sold via négociants in Pays Nantais?
More than 50%
42
Many smaller négociants in Pays Nantais have been bought up by larger companies. Name a few of them…
Castel, Grand Chais de France and Ackerman.
43
Top 5 varieties in Anjou-Saumur?
Cabernet Franc , Chenin Blanc, Grolleau Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
44
Top 6 varieties in Touraine?
Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Cot, Chardonnay
45
The moderating influence of the Atlantic decreases as you move away from the coast and further up the Loire valley. What does this do for the climate in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
The maritime effect is still marked in Anjou-Saumur while Touraine has continental climate but not as extreme as the central vineyards.
46
Amount of rain in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
Around 700mm
47
There can be rain throughout the year in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine. What effect can it have in the spring, the summer and in the autumn?
In spring it can affect flowering and fruit set. In summer it can increase disease pressure and in autumn it can affect harvest.
48
Why are the best exposed sites used for still wines and not sparkling in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
Still wines needs a greater level of ripeness in general.
49
What is the name of the river (tributary to the Loire) that help to create the misty conditions needed for botrytis at the end of the growing season in the Anjou region?
Layon
50
Name a few of the soil types you can find in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine.
Clay-limestone, tuff, sand, gravel, flint-clay
51
Rootstocks such as Fercal and Riparia Gloire de Montpellier is often used in Anjou and Touraine. Why?
Due to high lime content rootstocks such as Fercal and Riparia Gloire de Montpellier are used to protect the vines from chlorosis.
52
What grape variety produces sparkling, dry, off-dry and sweet styles of wine in the middle of the Loire valley?
Chenin Blanc
53
In the middle of Loire, describe the dry and off-dry styles with Chenin Blanc.
Medium intensity green apple and lemon (sometimes with a steely, smoky character), medium alcohol and high acidity.
54
General quality and price for Loire valley Chenin Blanc.
Good to very good. Inexpensive to mid-priced.
55
Name a top quality producer of Chenin Blanc in the Loire valley.
Domaine Huet.
56
What two things has made Cabernet Franc from middle Loire less overly herbaceous?
Better canopy management (better sun exposure gives river grapes) and warmer summers in general.
57
Describe a Cabernet Franc from middle Loire.
Medium to pronounced aromas of red fruit (red currant and raspberry) floral (violet) and can have leafy aromas too. Light to medium body, medium tannins and high acidity.
58
What grape variety is mainly used as a blending variety in Rosé d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire?
Grolleau Noir
59
Gamay Noir, generally made by carbonic maceration as in Beaujolais, is grown in what 3 regions of the Loire?
Principally grown in Touraine and Central Vineyards, but also in Anjou.
60
Where does Cabernet Sauvignon perform best in the Loire?
In the warmest sites of temperate Anjou.
61
Fermentation of Chenin Blanc can last several months in the Loire. Why?
Due to cool to mid-range fermentation temperatures
62
Typical fermentation vessels for Chenin Blanc in the Loire?
Large old oak or stainless steel.
63
Malolactic conversion or not for Chenin Blanc in the Loire?
Typically not.
64
As with Chenin Blanc in the Loire, the aim with Cabernet Franc is to retain primary fruit aromas and flavours. Cabernet Franc is typically aged in what?
Old oak barrels of different sizes.
65
Name the 3 regional appellations in the middle Loire.
Anjou, Saumur and Touraine
66
Anjou AOC, max yield for red and white?
60 hL/ha
67
Anjou Blanc, minimum Chenin Blanc? Anjou rouge, minimum %, and what variety/varieties?
Anjou Blanc must be minimum 80% Chenin Blanc. Anjou rouge must be minimum 70% of Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.
68
Higher quality reds than Anjou AOC? Only for red wines. Name the appellation and the variety/varieties.
Anjou Villages AOC, Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon. In practise it is mostly Cabernet Franc.
69
Max yield in Anjou villages?
55 hL/ha
70
Anjou villages AOC can ONLY be released in what month the year after the harvest?
September.
71
To use Anjou Villages AOC you need to release your wine in September the year after the harvest. This fact doesn’t suit many of the higher quality producers. What do they write on the label instead?
They leave the AOC system and opt for Vin de France
72
Large appellation on the slopes of right bank of the Layon river?
Coteaux du Layon AOC
73
The appellation Coteaux du Layon AOC specialises in what?
Botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc.
74
Difference between Coteaux du Layon AOC and Coteaux du Layon AOC with a named village (not counting yield and minimum alcohol)?
Coteaux du Layon AOC with a named village can ONLY be botrytis-affected grapes. Coteaux du Layon AOC can be made with grapes dried on the wine if botrytis fails.
75
What is “tries” in connection with botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc in the Loire valley?
In order to pick ONLY botrytis affected grapes you need to pass the vineyard several times, so called tries. This affects price.
76
Tasting note for Coteaux du Layon?
Pronounced aromas of cooked citrus and apple with acidity notes. Sweet, medium (+) body, medium alcohol and high acidity.
77
Quality and price for Coteaux du Layon?
Good to very good and mid- to premium prices
78
Name the 2 geographical areas of Coteaux du Layon that are appellations of their own with a high-quality reputation for sweet wines?
Bonnezeaux AOC and Quarts de Chaume AOC
79
High flavour intensity and the rich texture of Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume is a result of what (compared to Coteaux du Layon in general)?
Lower yields and a higher minimum POTENTIAL alcohol.
80
Quality and price for Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume?
Very good to outstanding, premium and a few super-premium prices.
81
Loire’s first grand cru? What year?
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC. 2019.
82
Quarts de Chaume AOC became Loire’s first grand cru in 2019, a premier cru was also formed. Name?
Coteaux du Layon AOC Chaume premier cru
83
Coteaux du Layon AOC, max yield and minimum potential alcohol?
35 hL/ha, 14%
84
Coteaux du Layon AOC + named village. Max yield and minimum potential alcohol?
30 hL/ha, 15%
85
Bonnezeaux AOC, max yield and minimum potential alcohol?
25 hL/ha, 15%
86
Coteaux du Layon AOC premier cru Chaum, max yield and minimum potential alcohol?
25 hL/ha, 16,5%
87
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC, max yield and minimum potential alcohol?
20 hL/ha, 18%
88
Small but prestigious appellation in Anjou specialising in fully dry wines from Chenin Blanc?
Savennières AOC
89
What circumstances make concentration and ripeness in Savennières (4)?
South-facing slopes, low fertility, rocky schist soils and low yields.
90
Due to generally warmer weather and improved vineyard management producers in Savennières are now making slightly fruitier and earlier approachable wines. Historically wines from Savennières was…
Very austere in their youth. High acidity and high alcohol. Needed several years in bottle before being approachable.
91
Max yield in Savennières AOC?
50 hL/ha
92
Name the two smaller AOCs within Savennières AOC.
Savennières La Roch aux Moines (the monk’s rock) AOC and Coulée de Serrant (the cast (mudslide) of Serrant)) AOC
93
Savennières La Roch aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant benefit from warm slopes facing the Loire resulting in river fruit. What is max yield?
30 hL/ha
94
Coulée de Serrant AOC is a monopole farmed biodynamically. Who is the owner? A figurehead of the biodynamic movement.
Nicolas Joly
95
Rosé de Loire AOC. What varieties and max yield?
A range of varieties including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Grolleau. Max yield is 60 hL/ha
96
Rosé d’Anjou AOC is most often made out of what variety?
Grolleau Noir
97
Max yield for Rosé d’Anjou AOC, and what can it lead to?
65 hL/ha sometimes leading to wines of low flavour intensity.
98
SAT for Rosé d’Anjou AOC?
Medium pink-orange.
Medium intensity red berry fruit
Medium (+) acidity
Medium alcohol
Medium dry
99
Quality and price for Rosé d’Anjou. This is a very popular wine and best selling of the 3 rosé appellations in Anjou.
Acceptable to good (some very good). Inexpensive to mid-price.
100
What varieties must Cabernet d’Anjou AOC be made from?
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
101
Max yield for Cabernet d’Anjou?
60 hL/ha
102
Colour and sweetness of Cabernet d’Anjou?
Medium-pink and medium dry.
103
Saumur AOC, what colours from what grapes ?
Red primarily from Cabernet franc, Rosé from Cabernet franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and White from Chenin Blanc.
104
Name the Saumur appellation for sweet Chenin Blanc (with or without botrytis)?
Coteaux de Saumur AOC
105
Max yield for Coteaux de Saumur? And what balances the luscious sweetness?
35 hL/ha. The high acidity in Chenin Blanc creates balance in the sweet wine.
106
Saumur-Champigny AOC. Principal grape and minimum how many per cent of it?
Minimum 85% Cabernet franc
107
Typical tasting note Saumur-Champigny AOC?
Pale ruby, medium to medium (+) intensity redcurrant fruit, sometimes leafy. Medium alcohol. High acidity and medium tannins.
108
Soils in Saumur-Champigny (3)?
Chalk, flint and clay
109
Soils in Saumur-Champigny (3) and why are they beneficial?
Chalk, flint and clay all have good drainage and good water holding potential - valuable in dry periods.
110
Saumur-Champigny can be released very early. How early?
December of the year of the harvest.
111
The wines of Saumur-Champigny became very successful in Paris, when? The Co-operative Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg championed a style, describe it.
1970’s. A light, accessible Cabernet Franc.
112
Quality and price in Saumur-Champigny?
Good to very good. Inexpensive to mid-priced.
113
There are a few premium producers in Saumur-Champigny AOC, name one.
Clos Rougeard
114
Wine styles and principal grape varieties in Touraine AOC?
White, Sauvignon Blanc (and Chenin Blanc), Red, Cabernet franc and Cot (Gamay), Rosé from a wide range including the two Cabernets, Cot, Gamay and Grolleau.
Plus sparkling.
115
How many sub-zones in Touraine AOC? What do they affect?
Six sub-zones. Adding a name after Touraine AOC affects max yield and what varieties to use.
116
Name the most important white wine appellation in Touraine.
Vouvray AOC
117
Minimum percentage of Chenin Blanc in Vouvray?
95%, but most are 100%
118
Max yield in Vouvray?
52 hL/ha
119
Where are the best vineyards in Vouvray and what is that makes them the best?
On the slopes overlooking the Loire. Good sunlight interception promotes ripening and the river acting as a moderating influence.
120
Describe the soils in Vouvray.
Flinty, clay and limestone over a tuff - enabling good drainage.
The word tuff comes from the Italian word tufo which means the type of rock formed out of consolidated deposits of volcanic ash after the explosive volcanic eruption. Tuffs are comparatively soft. Most tuffs consist wholly or in part, of volcanic materials with a varying level of fineness. Some have a mixture of wood, vegetation matter, and land shells while others formed from the eruption of volcanoes located near the sea will have their ash mixed with rock sediments thrown from the seabed to form tuff as a mixture of limestone, sand, fossil shells and clay soil. The content of the ash deposits may also contain less or more crystalline igneous rocks, for example, leucite, augite and olivine deposits found on the side and ash bed of Vesuvius. Where these crystals are many, they are called crystal tuff.
121
Away from the Loire river in Vouvray, the amount of clay soil increases. What does that lead to?
Clay soil is colder and inhibits the ripening.
122
Unless clearly marked it can be difficult to know if a Vouvray is dry or sweet. How does Vouvray contrast to Anjou regarding sweet wines?
Dry Vouvray is made in every vintage, demi-sec in most while sweet is rarer. In Anjou sweet wines can be made in almost every vintage.
123
What is name of the appellation that face Vouvray across the Loire?
Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC
124
How many percent Chenin Blanc and max yield in Montlouis-sur-Loire?
100% Chenin Blanc, 52 hL/ha
125
The appellation facing Vouvray has seen an influx of newcomers the last 30 years. What is the name of the appellation and why the influx, and how are many of them farming?
Montlouis-sur-Loire is the name. The influx partly because of cheaper land than Vouvray due to lesser fame. Has become a dynamic appellation with many organic and biodynamic producers.
126
Name the three important red wine appellations in Touraine.
Bourgueil AOC, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC and Chinon AOC.
127
Bourgueil AOC, what colour(s) of wine, principal variety, and how many percent and name of most common blending variety?
Red wine, minor production of rosé. Principal variety is Cabernet Franc but 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon is allowed.
128
Max yield in Bourgueil AOC? But many producers harvest less leading to what?
52 hL/ha. Less yield give higher quality wine.
129
Style wise, how does Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC differ from Bourgueil AOC? The style is rather similar to what Saumur appellation?
Lighter style of Cabernet franc, similar to Saumur-Champigny AOC.
130
Principal variety and max percentage plus variety of blending partner in red Chinon?
Cabernet franc is principal variety, Cabernet Sauvignon can be added but no more than 10%.
131
Max yield in Chinon (same as in Bourgueil AOC)?
55 hL/ha
132
Red wines in Chinon ranges from light fruity, early to drink to much more structured and powerful wines. Typical maceration for light and fruity versus structured and powerful?
6-8 days maceration for light and fruity, 2-3 weeks for structured and powerful.
133
Structured and powerful red Chinon are mostly from grapes grown on what soil?
Clay and limestone.
134
Lighter styles of Chinon is generally grown on what soils?
Sandy or gravelly soils.
135
Quality and price for red Chinon?
Good to very good, inexpensive to mid-priced. A few premium examples.
136
Anjou-Saumur produces how much more wine than Touraine?
Twice as much
137
How much more rosé is made in Anjou compared to Touraine?
10 times more
138
What appellation make more sparkling wine between Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
Anjou-Saumur makes significantly more sparkling than Touraine.
139
Red and white wine, what appellation makes most between Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
Touraine makes significantly more.
140
How many AOCs are there in the central vineyards of Loire?
8
141
Why is it called Central Vineyards?
The eight AOCs are located roughly halfway between river Loire’s source and mouth.
142
Climate in Central Vineyards? Principal grape varieties (2)?
Continental climate. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir (red and rosé)
143
From a climate point of view, why are the flavours restrained in the Central vineyard compared to for example Bordeaux or Marlborough?
Long growing-season day lengths combined with low light intensity and low heat.
144
Amount of rainfall in the Central Vineyards?
750mm, high for continental climate.
145
In the central vineyards how many percent is Sauvignon Blanc?
80%
146
How many percent is Pinot Noir in the central vineyards?
15%
147
Typical tasting note for Pinot Noir in the central vineyards?
Light to medium intensity of raspberry and strawberry, medium ruby. High acidity and medium alcohol.
148
Why are fermentation temp generally slightly higher for white wines in the Central Vineyards compared to the new world?
To create a more restrained fruit expression. Fermentation generally happens in the upper part of cool to lowest part of mid-range.
149
Is malolactic conversion blocked or used in general terms in the central vineyards?
Typically blocked (depending on style and vintage)
150
Name a producer that use old oak and extensive lees work to produce a wine for long ageing in Sancerre.
François Cotat
151
Name a Sancerre producer that has a heavily oaked wine in their range.
Henri Bourgeois
152
Sancerre AOC produces white from Sauvignon Blanc only, red and rosé from Pinot Noir only. How did the appellation change post phylloxera?
Used to be only Pinot Noir but was replanted with Sauvignon Blanc post phylloxera.
153
In what two decades was Sancerre successfully promoted?
1950 and 1960 and onwards.
154
What three things in Sancerre provide moderating influences against spring frost?
Steep hillside slopes (200-400m), the river Loire and the nearby forest.
155
Max yield for white in Sancerre? It is high, but why is that of lesser concern?
65 hL/ha, but Sauvignon Blanc can produce wines with sufficient flavour intensity at this level.
156
Max yield for rosé and red in Sancerre?
63 hL/ha for rosé and 59 hL/ha for red.
157
Typical tasting note for white Sancerre?
Medium intensity of grapefruit and gooseberry, medium alcohol and high acidity. Rarely new oak flavours.
158
Quality and price for white Sancerre?
Good to outstanding, mid-price to premium. Some super-premium.
159
Name two super-premium producers in Sancerre.
Didier Dagueneau and François Cotat
160
Name the three soil types in Sancerre.
Caillottes, Terre blanches and Silex.
161
Caillottes is a very shallow soil type in the Central Vineyards. What properties does wine grown on Caillottes supposedly have?
The most aromatic wines, first to be ready to drink and less ageing potential in the bottle.
162
Terre Blanches soil type in the central vineyards is known to give the wine what properties?
Fruit is slow ripening on Terre blanches and produce the most structured wines that need long maturation. they age well.
163
What kind of soil is Terre blanches? Is it found anywhere else besides the central vineyards of the Loire?
Kimmeridgian limestone and marl. You will find kimmeridgian in Chablis.
164
Name two of Sancerre’s most famous vineyards, and what soil type do they have?
Côte des Monts Damnés and Cul de Beaujeu, both with Terre blanches soil.
165
Fruit grown on Silex soil type in central vineyards of the Loire is said to produce what aromas to the wine?
Stony or smoky aromas.
166
What is Silex soil?
Flinty soils that accumulate heat and lead to early ripening.
167
Name a vineyard with Silex soil in the central vineyards of the Loire.
Les Romains, next to the Loire.
168
What AOC is Sauvignon Blanc only and has the same max yield as Sancerre in the central vineyards? What is max yield?
Pouilly-Fumé AOC, max yield 65 hL/ha
169
Pouilly-Fumé is more prone to frost damage than Sancerre, why is that?
Pouilly-Fumé is on much flatter land.
170
What has some growers installed in Pouilly-Fumé to fight frost?
Wind machines
171
Pouilly-Fumé has the same range of soils as Sancerre, name the three soil types.
Caillottes, Terre Blanches and Silex
172
Quality and price for Pouilly-Fumé?
Good to outstanding, mid-priced to premium priced.
173
In broad terms how does the wines from Pouilly-Fumé differ from a Sancerre?
Pouilly-Fumé is a little rounder and less aromatic. In general they need longer time in bottle to really show.
174
Reuilly AOC in central vineyards are white only from what grape, and red only from what grape and rosé from what varieties?
White from Sauvignon Blanc , red from Pinot noir and rosé from Pinot Gris and Pinot noir.
175
Max yield for the three colours of wine in Reuilly AOC respectively (same as Sancerre)?
65 hL/ha for white, 63 hL/ha for rosé and 59 hL/ha for red.
176
Minimum percentage of Sauvignon Blanc in Quincy AOC? What is the other white wine variety? Same max yield as in Sancerre which is what?
90%, Sauvignon gris. Max yield is 65 hL/ha.
177
What range of wines and max yield in Menetou-Salon AOC?
Same as Sancerre. White from Sauvignon Blanc only, and red and rosé from Pinot noir only.
Max yield for white is 65 hL/ha, 63 hL/ha for rosé and 59 hL/ha for red.
178
Why is Menetou-Salon more vulnerable to frost than Sancerre?
Menetou-Salon has gentle south-facing slopes and the cold air doesn’t run off as effective as in Sancerre’s steep slopes which also are higher.
179
Quality and price in Reuilly AOC, Quincy AOC and Menetou-Salon AOC?
Good to very good, inexpensive to mid-priced.
180
There are no Cru system in the central vineyards yet, but some single vineyards are getting more and more attention. Name two of them, both in Sancerre.
Les Monts Damnés and Les Belles Dames
181
Négociants are very important in the Loire valley, how much wine by volume are sold via négociants?
50%
182
Family estates are very important in the Loire valley, many put pride in the number of generations the estate has had. How many percent in the Loire valley is sold by the estates?
41%
183
How many percent of Loire valley is sold via Co-operatives?
Under 10%
184
Large négociant companies have wineries all over the Loire, some have also bought prestige estates blurring the lines between négociants and estates even more. Name one example of négociant buying an estate.
Grand Chaise de France has bought Château des Fesles (Bonnezeaux) and Château de Cléray (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine).
Ackerman has bought Château de Varière (Anjou) and Château de Sancerre.
185
From a business point of view, an increasing number of estates in the Loire valley are doing what to protect themselves from frost and hail damage? A way of keeping clients and avoid severe financial problems.
They buy in grapes and juice, and have a négociant side to their business.
186
Loire AOC wines; % sold in specialist wine retail and hospitality? What two other sectors follow in sold volumes, and in what percentage?
Just under 44% is sold in specialist wine retail and hospitality. Supermarkets sell 36% and export are 20%
187
Top export markets for Loire AOC wines?
US, UK and Germany.
188
What AOC in the Loire valley outperforms all the other still wine appellations in both value and volume in term of exports?
Sancerre.
189
Nicolas Joly was the founder of what group?
Return to Terroir / Renaissances des appellations
190
What is Return to Terroir?
A group of organic and biodynamic producers founded by Nicolas Joly. Worldwide but with more producers from the Loire than any other region.
191
The Loire valley is a centre for natural winemaking, what are they often produced as?
Vin de France
