Loire

Question 1

What is the longest river in France?

Answer 1

Loire

Question 2

Noted for its natural beauty, agriculture, and history, what is the Loire Valley’s nickname, designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000.

Answer 2

Jardin de la France

Question 3

How far back in history does winemaking in the Loire date?

When and where does Chenin Blanc appear, native to the Loire.

Answer 3

1st century

845 South of Angers, in the Coteaux du Layons, where you find Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.

Question 4

In what century did Cabernet Franc appear in the Loire?

The center of French culture in the late middle ages, with what King’s coronation did the Loire’s place atop the French wine trade begin to fade?

Answer 4

11th century

Louis XIV, with his coronation in 1643 at Reims. Louis would build the Palace of Versailles, and with it, move the seat of power in France to Paris.

Question 5

Where does the Loire rank in terms of production among all French wine regions?

Sparkling production?

Answer 5

1st overall

2nd in Sparkling

Question 6

What is another name for Cab Franc in the Loire?

Answer 6

Breton

Question 7

List the 4 major Loire regions from East to West.

Answer 7

Central Vineyards
Touraine
Anjou Saumur
Pays Nantais

Question 8

What is the climate like in the Muscadet AOC?

Answer 8

Maritime, cool and wet.

Question 9

What are the 3 AOC’s of Muscadet AOC?

Where, in relation to Nantes, are they located?

Answer 9

Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire - NE
Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu - S
Muscadet Sevre et Maine - E and SE

Question 10

Of which of the 4 Muscadet AOC is production largely coming from?

Answer 10

Muscadet Sevre et Maine, over 80%

Question 11

What is the grape of Muscadet, who brought it to the Loire, and why?

What event paved the way for the grape to take over?

Answer 11

Melon de Bourgogne, the Dutch brought it in the 1600’s to be grown for distillate.

The great frost of 1709 led to the banning of red grapes around Nantes.

Question 12

What types of soils are utilized for Muscadet production?

Answer 12

Gneiss, Silica, Clay, Granite

Question 13

What is required if ‘Sur Lie’ appears on the bottle?

Answer 13

The wine must come from one of the Muscadet sub AOC’s

It must be aged on the lees, and bottled directly off it, until Mar 1 year after harvest, but not later than Dec 31st

Question 14

If a wine is labeled simply Muscadet AOC, what min % Melon must it be?

Whats the other grape allowed?

Answer 14

90%

up to 10% chardonnay

Question 15

If labeled with one of the 3 Muscadet sub AOC, what % Melon must the wine be?

Answer 15

100%

Question 16

In what year were the first Muscadet Sevre et Maine sub zones established?

What are the first three, and what are their soil types?

Answer 16

2011

Clisson - Granite
Le Pallet - Gneiss, Quartz, Gabbro
Gorges - Clay and Gabbro

Question 17

What 4 Sevre et Maine sub-zones were added in 2019? Soil type?

Answer 17

Chateau Thebaud Gneiss
Goulaine Gneiss
Monnieres Saint Fiacre Gneiss
Mouzillon Tillieres Gabbro

Question 18

If a sub-zone is indicated on the label of Sevre et Maine, may ‘sur lie’ appear on the label?

Answer 18

No, the sub-zones have longer required time spent on lees, longer than the max of sur lie allows.

Question 19

When a sub zone is indicated for Sevre et Maine, how much time on the lees must a wine spend?

Answer 19

For Goulaine and Le Pallet - about 18 months, or April 1st of the 2nd year after harvest

For the other 5 - about 2 years, or Oct 1st of the 2nd year after harvest

Question 20

In which of the 4 Loire regions is the Fiefs Vendeens AOC? What wines are made there?

Answer 20

Pays Nantais

White - min 60% Chenin
Rose - gamay/pinot blend
Rouge - pinot/cab franc depending on the town

Question 21

The Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC produces what wine?

Answer 21

Blanc - min 70% Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)

Question 22

In which Loire region is the Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC? What’s made there?

Answer 22

Pays Nantais

White - 100% Malvoisie (pinot gris)

Rouge and Rose Gamay - 90%

Question 23

What style of wine makes up 45% of Anjou production?

Answer 23

Rose, made from Grolleau blends

Question 24

skip

Question 25

Anjou Blanc is made of what grapes?

Answer 25

Min 80% Chenin, with Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc

Question 26

What style wines is Anjou AOC approved for?

Answer 26

White, red, varietal gamay, and sparkling (blanc and rose) dry and sweet.

Question 27

Whats the blend of Anjou rouge? (2 major grapes + 2 minor) Any varietal wines allowed?

Answer 27

Cab Franc & Cab Sauv blend (min 70%) plus Pineau d'Aunis and Grolleau Yes, a 100% Gamay

Question 28

What styles of wine is Anjou Villages and Anjou Villages Brissac approved for? What grapes are involved?

Answer 28

Rouge only Cab Franc and/or Cab Sauv, no % specified

Question 29

For Anjou Mousseaux, state the styles and grapes allowed, plus production method.

Answer 29

Traditional Method, 9 months lees Blanc - min 70% Chenin Rose - blend of red grapes allowed in Loire, CF-CS-Cot-Gamay-Grolleau, etc

Question 30

What is the soil mix in Savennieres AOC?

Answer 30

Blue Schist and Volcanic

Question 31

What % Chenin Blanc is required for Savennieres? Is chaptalization allowed?

Answer 31

100% Yes, but prohibited for the sweet versions (demi-sec, molleaux, doux)

Question 32

What are the 2 Grand Crus of Savennieres? When were they given their own AOC? Name which is a monopole, and the producer.

Answer 32

2011 Roche Aux Moines Coulee de Serrant (owned by N. Joly)

Question 33

Describe the wines of Coteaux du Layon AOC, and where is the region located among the 4 Loire regions?

Answer 33

In the Anjou Saumur region, South of Angers and the Loire along the Layon river. Sweet wines influenced by botrytis

Question 34

How many villages may add their name to Coteaux du Layon? What village is considered a premier cru? What is the minimum rs for wines from that village, and from the AOC as a whole?

Answer 34

7 villages, Chaume 80g/L for Chaume 34g/L for the AOC

Question 35

What 2 AOC'S exist within Coteaux du Layon for sweet botrytized chenin? What are their min r.s.?

Answer 35

Bonnezeaux AOC min 51g/L Quarts de Chaume AOC min 85g/L

Question 36

In which of Loire's 4 regions is Coteaux de l'Aubance? What are the wines like?

Answer 36

Anjou Saumur just like Coteaux du Layon AOC

Question 37

What is approved for production under Saumur AOC?

Answer 37

White, red, rose, and sparkling

Question 38

What city is considered the Loire's central hub for sparkling production?

Answer 38

Saumur

Question 39

What soil type is dominant in Saumur?

Answer 39

Tuffeau Limestone

Question 40

As of 2016, Saumur blanc must be what? before then, what could be included?

Answer 40

100% chenin up to 20% chardonnay and sauv blanc, like anjou blanc.

Question 41

Coteaux de Saumur AOC specializes in what kind of wine?

Answer 41

sweet botrytized chenin, min 34g/L rs

Question 42

Saumur Mousseaux blanc and rose are based on what 2 grapes? (min%) Whats the production method?

Answer 42

min 60% chenin min 60% cab franc traditional method, 9 months lees

Question 43

Saumur AOC rouge and rose must be what % minimum cab franc? What about Saumur Le Puy Notre Dame, to the South?

Answer 43

min 70% + Cab Sauv and Pineau d'Aunis min 85%, max 15% cab sauv

Question 44

What AOC does Saumur Champigny border in Touraine?

Answer 44

Chinon

Question 45

Whats the soil type of Saumur Champigny, giving it is nickname?

Answer 45

Harder limestone, and iron rich, which the reddish hue gives it the nickname 'field of fire'.

Question 46

The Foucault brothers built what winery into an icon? In what region? Name the white and 3 reds made.

Answer 46

Clos Rougeard Saumur Champigny Breze - the white Le Clos Les Poyeaux Le Bourg

Question 47

What % cab franc must Saumur Champigny contain?

Answer 47

min 85%

Question 48

In which of the Loire's 4 regions will I find Haut Poitou AOC? What is made there?

Answer 48

Anjou Saumur, South of Saumur Whites featuring Sauv Blanc Reds and Roses featuring Cab Franc, Gamay, and Pinot

Question 49

What color wines may be produced in Chinon AOC and from what grapes?

Answer 49

red and roses - cab franc (you can blend a little cs, 10%) white - 100% chenin

Question 50

What are the 3 soils of Chinon AOC, which one is most desirable?

Answer 50

Tuffeau, clay, and varennes (sandy alluvial along the Vienne river) Tuffeau

Question 51

Whats a big difference between Chinon AOC and Bourgueil AOC ?

Answer 51

No white wine allowed in Bourgueil AOC

Question 52

What city anchors the Touraine region? What 2 AOC's sit along the Loire East of town?

Answer 52

Tours Vouvray AOC on the North bank Montlouis sur Loire AOC along the South bank

Question 53

What is Touraine Noble Joue AOC?

Answer 53

An appellation for a historical vin gris made in the area, South of Tours, from Meunier, Malvoisie (PG), and Pinot Noir.

Question 54

Whats allowed in Touraine Blanc AOC?

Answer 54

based on a majority Sauvignon Blanc

Question 55

What 5 villages may append their name to Touraine AOC?

Answer 55

Mesland Azay Le Rideau Amboise Oisly Chenonceaux

Question 56

Climate wise, what shifts at the city of Tours?

Answer 56

Atlantic influence meets continental influence, generating wide variance in vintage for the AOC'S of Vouvray and Montlouis sur Loire.

Question 57

For Touraine AOC rouge, what grapes are the major players?

Answer 57

West of Tours (towards Chinon) min 80% Cab Franc East of Tours min 50% Cot Varietal Gamay is allowed.

Question 58

For Touraine Mousseaux, what is the production method and what 2 grapes must lead the blend? How about if its a rose?

Answer 58

traditional method, 9 months lees chenin blanc or orbois must be a minimum 60%. same for rose

Question 59

What soil type stars in Vouvray?

Answer 59

Tuffeau Limestone

Question 60

What styles are permitted for production in Vouvray?

Answer 60

still and sparkling (traditional), and at all sweetness levels depending on the vintage

Question 61

What're the grapes allowed for Vouvray? If sparkling, what are the ageing requirements?

Answer 61

95% minimum Chenin, up to 5% Orbois allowed. Sparkling ages 12 months on lees

Question 62

Is Orbois allowed in Montlouis sur Loire?

Answer 62

No

Question 63

Which producer has been the standard bearer for Vouvray since 1928? What are their 3 great vineyards?

Answer 63

Domaine Huet Le Haut Lieu Le Mont Clos du Bourg

Question 64

What is the max r.s. of Vouvray Sec? max for Molleaux? min for Doux?

Answer 64

max 8g/L Molleaux max 45g/L Doux min 45g/L

Question 65

What river runs parallel but North of the Loire in Touraine, confusingly enough. Name the relevant AOC'S up there.

Answer 65

The Loir river. Coteaux du Loir AOC Jasnieres AOC Coteaux du Vendomois AOC

Question 66

Coteaux du Loir AOC is approved for what styles of wine from which grapes?

Answer 66

white - 100% chenin red and rose - min 65% pineau d'aunis

Question 67

Jasnieres AOC is a sub AOC of what larger AOC? What is made there?

Answer 67

Coteaux du Loir AOC White Chenin, very similar to Vouvray, a bit greener and herbaceous though.

Question 68

What does Coteaux du Vendomois make? What do they specialize in?

Answer 68

White red and rose 100% Pineau d'Aunis roses

Question 69

In which of the Loire's 4 regions will I find Valencay? What do they make? What gastronomic item do they specialize in?

Answer 69

Eastern Touraine White from Sauv Blanc Reds and Roses from Pinot, Gamay, and Cot Goat Cheese

Question 70

What is the most famous goat cheese from the Loire? Name 3 others.

Answer 70

Chevre Valencay Selles sur Cher Sainte Maure

Question 71

In which of Loire's 4 regions is Cheverny AOC located? What grapes are involved in the wines made here? What is the grape and styles allowed of Cour Cheverny AOC?

Answer 71

Eastern Touraine Whites from Sauv Blanc Reds and roses from Pinot and Gamay Romorantin, dry and off dry styles

Question 72

In which village will I find the vineyard Chene Marchand? And Les Mont Damnes? What is the soil type of both?

Answer 72

Chene Marchand is in Bue, Caillotes soils. Les Monts Damnes is in Chavignol, Kimmeridgian marl

Question 73

What are the three soil types of Sancerre?

Answer 73

Silex - flinty, eminating from the river Caillotes - stony fossil laden soil Terre Blanches - kimmeridgian clay, as in chablis

Question 74

What is approved for production in Sancerre AOC?

Answer 74

White from Sauvignon Blanc Red and Rose from Pinot Noir

Question 75

Whats the climate like in the Central Vineyards region?

Answer 75

Continental cold winters, frost in Spring and Fall a concern

Question 76

Who makes the Sancerre 'Clos la Neore'?

Answer 76

Edmond Vatan

Question 77

Who makes the Sancerre 'L'Enclos des Remparts'?

Answer 77

Vacheron

Question 78

Who makes the Sancerre Cuvee Paul?

Answer 78

Francois Cotat

Question 79

Who makes the top Sancerre rouge wines 'Le Paradis' and 'Generation XIX'

Answer 79

Alphonse Mellot

Question 80

Who makes the Sancerre 'A Mi Chemin'

Answer 80

Vincent Gaudry

Question 81

Pouilly Fume AOC is approved for what styles of wine?

Answer 81

white only

Question 82

Who makes Clos du Calvaire Pouilly Fume?

Answer 82

Dagueneau, its as expensive as Asteroide

Question 83

Who makes 'Baron de L' Pouilly Fume?

Answer 83

de Ladoucette

Question 84

In terms of terroir, how do the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume differ?

Answer 84

Sancerre vineyards tend to have elevation, Pouilly Fume vineyards are at lower altitude.

Question 85

In terms of production, how do the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume differ?

Answer 85

Actually, not a ton. Oak has been experimented with by top producers on both sides of the river, but largely stainless steel is the norm.

Question 86

After Chateauneuf du Pape, what was the 2nd AOC in France?

Answer 86

Quincy AOC

Question 87

Menetou Salon AOC is in which of the 4 Loire regions? Which AOC nearby is it most like?

Answer 87

Central Vineyards Sancerre

Question 88

The Reuilly AOC is in which of the 4 Loire regions? What is made there, any specialties?

Answer 88

Central Vineyards White, Red, and Rose They're known for Vin Gris, made from Pinot Gris.

Question 89

What is approved for production in Quincy AOC?

Answer 89

Only white, from Sauv Blanc

Question 90

Whats made in Coteaux du Giennois AOC? In which of the 4 Loire regions is it located?

Answer 90

White - Sauv Blanc Reds and Roses - blends of Pinot and Gamay Central Vineyards

Question 91

What is made in the Orleans AOC?

Answer 91

White - Chardonnay Rose/Red - Pinot Meunier min 60/70%

Question 92

What is approved for production in Orleans Clery AOC?

Answer 92

Red only - Cab Franc

Question 93

In which departement is the Cotes du Forez AOC? What is made there? What about the Cote Roannaise AOC?

Answer 93

Rhone, West of Lyon Reds & Rose from 100% Gamay

Question 94

Chateaumeillant AOC is approved for what? What departement is it in?

Answer 94

Reds and Roses, min 50% Gamay Cher department

Question 95

Saint Pourcain AOC is approved for what? Which French department is it in?

Answer 95

White - min 50% Chardonnay Rose - Gamay Red - Gamay/Pinot Allier department

Question 96

Cotes d'Auvergne AOC is approved for what?

Answer 96

White - 100% Chardonnay Red and Rose - Gamay/Pinot

Question 97

Where in France are the AOC's of Chateaumeillant, Saint Pourcain, Cotes du Forez, and Cotes d'Auvergne?

Answer 97

South of Sancerre AOC

Question 98

Cremant de Loire AOC is what method? What are the ageing requirements?

Answer 98

Traditional method 9 months min lees, 12 months total

Question 99

Name 2 excellent Savennieres producers.

Answer 99

Baumard Pierre Bise

Question 100

Is still Rose production allowed in Anjou or Saumur? Can Saumur wines be bottled as Anjou wines and vice versa?

Answer 100

Not in Anjou AOC, yes in Saumur. Anjou CAN'T be bottled as Saumur, but Saumur can be bottled as Anjou

Question 101

Name a Bonnezeaux producer.

Answer 101

Chateau des Fesles

Question 102

What's made in Pouilly sur Loire AOC?

Answer 102

white wine, 100% chasselas

Question 103

Whats another name for Chenin Blanc in the Loire?

Answer 103

Pineau de la Loire

Question 104

Whats another name for Grolleau in the Loire?

Answer 104

Groslot

Question 105

Name two excellent Muscadet producers.

Answer 105

Pepiere Guy Bossard

Question 106

What is Hermine d'Or?

Answer 106

An unofficial designation used by quality minded Muscadet Sevre et Maine producers.