Loire Flashcards
Loire Valley is the _______________ white wine producing region, ____________ sparkling wine producer, and ______________ overall producer of AOC wines
largest; second-largest, third-largest
Define “fines bulles”
Term used to refer to the entire sparkling wine category (petillant, mousseux, cremant) as a result of its growing popularity and growth
List 3 ways global warming has positively impacted the Loire Valley
- Greater ripeness levels of Muscadet –> recognition of crus in the area
- Warm, dry autumns –> quality sweet wines in Layon
- Improved quality of dry chenin blanc
What 2013 decree resulted in Francois Chidaine and Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups no longer being able to bottle wines under the Vouvray AOC?
Producers must grow and vinify wines within the appellation boundaries of Vouvray. These two producers vinify across the river in Montlouis-sur-Loire
How did the Dutch impact the Loire wine industry?
Loire was an important supplier to England and the Netherlands. Dutch traders influenced growers to plant more white cultivars (e.g. Folle Blanche) so they could produce brandewijn (‘burnt wine’ or brandy)
How does the Loire river and its tributaries influence viticulture?
Warms the vineyards. Tributaries help to create favorable mesoclimates suitable for ripening grapes
Name the four Loire subregions and their climate types
- Pays Nantais (Lower Loire) - Maritime
- Anjou, Saumur, Touraine (Middle Loire) - Maritime with continental influences
- Centre-Loire - Continental
- Upper Loire - Continental
The Loire Valley lies within which three of France’s major landforms? Which portions of the Loire Valley can be found on each landform?
- Massif Armoricain (Pays Nantais, Anjou)
- Paris Basin (Touraine, Centre-Loire)
- Massif Central (Upper Loire)
What are the main training methods found in Loire?
Guyot and cordon
Describe (in general) white winemaking techniques in Loire
Mainly reductive in nature; very limited malolactic conversion; many wines are aged on the lees
Chaptalization allowed in certain years and under certain conditions
Describe (in general) sweet winemaking techniques in Loire
Main grape varietal = Chenin Blanc. Grapes are either overripe or botrytized. Some producers use old oak for aging to add complexity to the wine
Describe (in general) rose winemaking techniques in Loire
Direct press or saignee method used
Describe (in general) red winemaking techniques in Loire
Grapes are destemmed and macerated for 1-4 weeks. Malolatic conversion is encouraged to reduce acidity and impart supple mouthfeel
What is the name of the IGP offerings from the Loire?
Val de Loire IGP
Describe the climate of Pays Nantais
Maritime
Spring is cool and damp. Summers are warm and sunny. Spring frosts are a threat
Describe the soils of Pays Nantais and why the free-draining nature of the soil is important here
Ancient rocks (volcanic, igneous, and metamorphic) that are acidic (gneiss and mica schist). Porous, well-draining soils are important because the high water table/humidity of the area would otherwise result in high-yielding vines
What are the main grape varieties planted in Pays Nantais? Which is the most important variety?
Melon de Bourgogne (75% of all plantings)
Pinot Gris
Gamay
Muscadet AOC
1. Wine Style
2. Permitted grape varietals
3. Vinification rules
- Dry White
- Melon de Bourgogne, up to 10% Chardonnay as of 2021
- As of 2020 wines cannot be produced sur lie
Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC is responsible for ___% of all AOC Muscadet bottled
75%
What two tributaries run through Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC?
Maine, Sevre Nantaise
Which of the following are DGCs of Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC?
- Chateau-Thebaud
- Clisson Gorges
- Rochefort-sur-Loire
- Coulaine
- Monnieres-Saint-Fiacre
- Mouzillon-Tillieres
- Le Pallet
1-2 and 4-7. Rochefort-sur-Loire is found in Coteaux du Layon
Name 3 AOCs from Pays Nantais that requires 100% Melon de Bourgogne.
- Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC
- Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC
- Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC
How are the terrains of Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC and Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC different?
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC = hillsides on both sides of the Loire River
Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu = flat terrain
What are the two principle grape varieties of the Middle Loire?
Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc
Describe the climate and soils of Middle Loire
Maritime and Continental with influence of Atlantic winds decreasing as you move East
West = Dark schists and sandstone (Black Anjou)
East = Tuffeau (White Anjou)
Shift in soils is a result of the landform transitioning from the Massif Armoricain to the Paris Basin
How does Tuffeau (Turonian chalk) influence the grapes and wine styles of the Middle Loire?
Tuffeau = calcium rich which results in high acidity. This is why Saumur is well-known for sparkling wine production
What does the term “La Douceur Angevine” translate to and what does it refer to?
Sweet Anjou; describes the climate around Angers and to the south of it. Strong oceanic influences resulting in temperate climate
What are the primary grape varietals in the Middle Loire?
Chenin Blanc, Grolleau Gris, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau Noir
What was the first red grape planted in the Loire Valley and who introduced it to the region?
Cabernet Franc; Eleanor of Aquitaine
Describe the wines of the Anjou AOC including the primary grape varieties used.
Reds: 2x white production. Cab Franc + Cab Sauv blends with Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis completing the blend. Anjou Gamay = 100% Gamay and can be vinified as primeur.
Whites: Mainly Chenin Blanc with some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as blending partners. Movement toward 100% Chenin Blanc to capture terroir. Dry, Semi sweet-sweet produced.
Mousseux: Whites made from Chenin Blanc. Rose made from red and rose grapes
What are the production specifications for Anjou Village AOC wines?
Must be red produced from grapes from any of the designated 46 villages. Wines are always a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are lower than that of Anjou AOC reds.
What is unique about the wines produced in Anjou Brissac AOC?
Must be red and yields are lower than that of Anjou Village AOC. Cabernet Franc dominates the blend. Brissac is warmer and drier than neighboring areas because a forest shelters the village
What two AOCs in Anjou only produce rose?
Cabernet d’Anjou AOC and Rose d’Anjou AOC
What are the differences between the roses produced in Cabernet d’Anjou and Rose d’Anjou?
Cabernet d’Anjou is sweeter and has the largest production of all 3 rose producing AOCs. Made from both cabernets (typically by direct press but saignee is permitted). Onion skin color.
Rose d’Anjou has a lower minimum sweetness and is primarily made from Groulleau Gris.
What is unique about the vineyards/AOCs flanking the Layon River?
Exclusively grow Chenin Blanc and has Loire Valley’s only Premier and Grand Cru.
Name the only Premier Cru of Loire Valley and where it is located
Chaume
Located in Rochefort-sur-Loire in Coteaux du Layon
Name three sweet wine appellations located along the Layon River and rank them based on their minimum sweetness requirement
Coteaux du Layon (exception of Chaume Premier Cru)
Bonnezeaux
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
(Listed from lowest to highest minimum sweetness level)
Name the only Grand Cru of Loir Valley and where it is located
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC; located on the N side of the Layon River
In general, what are the permitted wine styles and grape varietal(s) permitted in Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru, and Bonnezeaux?
Semi-sweet (Coteaux du Layon), sweet (all three) made from Chenin Blanc
Describe the soils of:
- Coteaux du Layon
- Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
- Bonnezeaux
- Schist, sands, gravel
- Schist, sandstone
- Schist, sandstone, clay
T or F: Wines in Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru can be made from either botrytized grapes or grapes that underwent passerillage
True
What are two other sweet wine producing AOCs of Anjou and which rivers flow through them?
Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire (Loire River)
Coteaux de l’Aubance (Aubance River)
How does the Loire River impact the Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC?
Moderates temperatures and produces autumn fog
Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC covers the same geographical area as what other AOC?
Anjou Brissac
Name the warmest appellation(s) of Anjou
Anjou Brissac and Coteax de l’Aubance
(Both cover the same geographical area)
T or F: Coteaux du Layon and Coteaux de l’Aubance can use the term “Selection de Grains Nobles” on the label
True
Name the two historic plots (with their own respective AOCs) located within Savennieres AOC
Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC
Coulee de Serrant AOC
Savennieres AOC
1. Wine Styles
2. Soil Types
3. Topographical Features
- Dry, semi-sweet, sweet white wines (Chenin Blanc)
- Slate, schist, volcanic rock, aeolian sands (windblown sediments)
- 5 steep, south-facing hills on the right bank of the Loire River
T or F: Savennieres has a tradition of female winemakers with many estates being passed down from mother to daughter
True
Define the following terms and recognize the EU R.S. levels for each.
- Sec
- Demi-sec
- Moelleux
- Doux
- Dry (<0.4%, <4g/L)
- Medium Dry (0.4-1.2%, 4-12g/L)
- Medium Sweet (1.2-4.5%, 12-45g/L)
- Sweet (>4.5%, >45g/L)
Under what conditions does Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC produce semi-sweet or sweet wines?
Only in years when botrytis develops
Can Coulee de Serrant AOC produce semi-sweet or sweet wines?
Yes, but the monopole (Joly Family) that owns the vineyard focuses on dry wines
T or F: Coulee de Serrant AOC and Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC must hand harvest all grapes with a minimum of 3 passes
False, all grapes must be hand harvested over a minimum of 2 passes
Which Loire subregion produces the largest volume of sparkling wines?
Saumur
What styles of wine are produced in the Saumur AOC. Which style dominates production?
Still white, rose, red. Sparkling white and rose.
Mousseux dominates production
What are the primary grapes used in Saumur brut (mousseux)?
White: Chenin Blanc
Rose: Cabernet Franc
Saumur AOC roses are typically a blend of what two grapes?
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the name of the DGC found in Saumur AOC? What type of wine does it produce?
Puy-Notre-Dame
Red wines crafted from Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon as the blending partner
What are the supplementary grape varietals used in Saumur AOC?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Grolleau Gris
Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay, Grolleau, Pinot Noir
What style of wine is produced in Saumur-Champigny AOC and what varietals is it crafted from?
Still red crafted from Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d’Aunis as blending partners
Describe the soils and mesoclimate of Saumur-Champigny
Tuffeau - gives the wine elegance, soft tannins, and freshness
Warmer mesoclimate
Touraine’s three zones (in general) craft wines from which varieties?
West = red (Cab Franc)
East = white (Sauv Blanc)
Center = white (Chenin Blanc)
What is Touraine’s climate?
Shifts from maritime to semi-continental (spring frosts are common)
What are the four main soil types of Touraine and where are they found?
- Tuffeau - Western Touraine to Vouvray
- Clay and Limestone (aubuis) - hillsides
- Sedimentary deposits (sand and gravel) - rivers and river terraces
- Flinty-clay (argiles a silex or perruches) - Vouvray, Montlouis, eastern Touraine
Romorantin is grown exclusively in which Touraine appellation?
Cour-Cheverny
What are Touraine’s primary and secondary white grape varieties?
(P) Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Romorantin
(S) Chardonnay, Orbois
What are Touraine’s primary and secondary red grape varieties?
(P) Cabernet Franc, Cot, Gamay
(S) Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau, Merlot, Meunier, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir
What styles of wine are produced in Touraine AOC and which one accounts for majority of the production?
Dry white, red, rose, sparkling white, and sparkling rose
Dry white wine accounts for majority of production
Touraine AOC mousseux whites are primarily crafted from _______________and mousseux roses are primarily blends of ________________________.
Chenin Blanc; Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau
Dry white wine from Touraine AOC is primarily crafted from ______________
Sauvignon Blanc
Red wines are based off of ______________ if planted east of Tours and off of ____________ if planted west of this landmark.
Cot; Cabernet Franc
These DGCs belong to which AOC?
Amboise
Azay-le-Rideau
Chenonceaux
Mesland
Oisly
Touraine AOC
These DGCs belong to which AOC?
Beaulieu-sur-Layon
Faye-d’Anjou
Rablay-sur-Layon
Rochefort-sur-Loire
Saint-Aubin-de-Luigne
Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay
Coteaux du Layon AOC
Touraine Noble Joue AOC produces _______ wine made from what grape varieties?
Rose
Pinot Meunier (P), Pinot Noir (S), and Pinot Gris (S)
What three AOCs in western Touraine are known for making Cabernet Franc-based wines that allow for 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend?
Chinon AOC
Bourgueil AOC
Saint-Nicholas-de-Bourgueil AOC
Bourgueil AOC produces ____________ and _________ styles of wine from vineyards with a ____________ aspect to maximize warmth
rose, red
southern
Describe the differences between a “gravel wine” and a “tuffeau wine” from Bourgueil AOC
Gravel wine = raspberry fruit
Tuffeau wine = structured, complex, spiced plums
T or F: Wines of Saint-Nicholas-de-Bourgueil AOC are considered to be “tuffeau wines”
False, they are considered to be “gravel wines”
Chinon AOC
- Wine Styles
- Soil Types
- Location
- Dry white, rose, red
- Sands/gravel by river; tuffeau on slopes, flint-clay/sands at higher elevations
- Flanks the Vienne River
T or F: Chinon AOC is the largest red wine appellation by volume
True
What is a major climate influencing feature of Chinon AOC?
Forests that lie to the N and W protect the vineyards from storms and cold winds, making it one of the warmest growing regions in Touraine
What two appellations specializing in dry and sparkling Chenin Blanc wines are found in the center of the Touraine region?
Vouvray AOC
Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC
Vouvray AOC
1. Soil Types
2. Grape Varieties
3. Production Breakdown
- Aubuis (clay and limestone) and perruches (flinty-clay)
- Chenin Blanc, Orbois (S)
- Largest producer of white AOC wine; mousseux and petillant = majority
How does the soils of Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC differ from those of Vouvray AOC?
Same breakdown of perruches and aubuis but with more sand and gravel
What two rivers run on the N and S sides of Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC?
Loire River to the N
Cher River to the S
Describe the petillant originel crafted in Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC.
Hand harvested with no additions of any kind. Single fermentation with 9mos on the lees. Disgorgement is without dosage.
Name the 5 AOCs that lie on the L bank of the Loire River in eastern Touraine.
Valencay AOC
Cheverny AOC
Cour-Cheverny AOC
Orleans AOC
Orleans-Clery AOC
Valencay AOC
- Wine Styles (+ primary grape)
- Soil Types
- Location
- Dry white (Sauvignon Blanc), Rose (Gamay), Red (Gamay)
- Chalk, perruches (flinty-clay), gravels
- L bank of Cher River
Cheverny AOC
1. Primary Grape Varietals
2. Wine Styles
3. Topographical Features/Location
- Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Pinot Noir
- Dry white, rose, red
- Scatted along wooded areas around the Beuvron, Cosson, and Bievre rivers which help to dry out and warm the area respectively
Describe the wines of Cour-Cheverny AOC
Dry to sweet white wines crafted from Romorantin. Flavor profile: citrus, flowers, and peach
Orleans AOC
- Wine Styles (+ primary grape varietals)
- Soil Types
- Dry white (Chardonnay), Rose (Meunier), Red (Meunier)
- L bank of Loire River = sandy, pebbly alluvium
T or F: Orleans-Clery AOC lies within the Orleans appellation and crafts roses and reds from Cabernet Franc
False, only red wines made from Cabernet Franc
What are two AOCs that cover the entire Middle Loire (Anjou-Saumur and Touraine) areas?
Cremant de Loire AOC
Rose de Loire AOC
Cremant de Loire AOC wines are typically blends of which varieties?
Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc
T or F: Rose de Loire AOC wines can be dry to semi-sweet and do not have blending rules
False, they must be dry but they do not have any blending rules
What are the northern and eastern borders of the Centre-Loire’s 8 appellations?
North: City of Orleans
East: Grand Auxerrois
What is the climate of the Centre-Loire? What are the main vineyard threats?
Continental
Hail in the summer, spring frosts (especially in Quincy, Reuilly, and Pouilly-Fume)
What are the four main soil types of the Centre-Loire?
- Limestone or Caillottes (small limestone pebbles)
- Clay and limestone (terres blanches)
- Flint (Silex) and clay with flint (argiles a silex)
- Sands and gravel
Name the primary and secondary grape varietals found in the Centre-Loire
White: Sauvignon Blanc, Chasselas
Red: Pinot Noir, Gamay (S)
Rose: Pinot Gris (S), Sauvignon Gris (S)
Name the four main AOCs found NE to the city of Bourges (off of the Loire River)
Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Menetou-Salon, Pouilly-sur-Loire
Sancerre AOC
- Wine Styles
- Grape Varieties
- Soil types
- Topography
- Dry white, red, rose
- Sauvignon Blanc, PInot Noir
- Argiles a silex, Caillotes, terres blanches
- Higher in elevation and steeper than Pouilly-Fume. The steep slopes help to drain water which is important 2/2 to high rainfall
Menetou-Salon AOC
- Wine Styles
- Grape Varieties
- Soil Types
- Topography
Basically the same as Sancerre AOC except for topography.
Flatter than sancerre –> inc risk for frost and more exposure to SW winds
Menetou-Salon AOC is comprised of ___ villages. All of which can append their name on the label.
10
How do the following soil types influence how Sauvignon Blanc is expressed in Sancerre?
- Argiles a silex
- Caillottes
- Terres Blanches
- (Clay with flint) = gunflint
- (limestone pebbles) = perfumed wines with propensity to mature quickly
- (clay and limestone) = powerful wines with ageability
Pouilly-Fume AOC
- Wine Styles
- Grape Varieties
- Soil Types
- Dry White
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Argiles a silex, caillottes, terres blanches, sand
Why is Sauvignon Blanc called “Blanc Fume” in Pouilly-Fume?
Refers to the gunflint aromas found in wines produced on flinty-clay soils. Fume = “smoked”
Wines made from Chasselas in the Pouilly-Fume region are bottled under what AOC?
Pouilly-sur-Loire AOC (vinified dry)
What two Centre-Loire appellations lie along the Cher River?
Quincy AOC
Reuilly AOC
Quincy AOC
- Wine Styles
- Grape Varieties
- Soil Types
- Location
- Dry White
- Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris (S)
- Sands and gravels
- Mainly on L bank of Cher River (small portion on R bank)
Reuilly AOC
- Wine Styles
- Grape Varieties
- Location
- Climate (and impact on viticulture)
- Dry white, rose, red
- Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris
- Both sides of the Arnon River and a portion along the Cher River
- Dry mesoclimate –> first to harvest in Centre-Loire
Name the dry rose AOCs. What grape varieties do they use?
Rose de Loire AOC (no blending rules)
Name the off-dry or sweet rose AOCs? What grape varieties do they use?
Rose d’Anjou AOC (Grolleau based)
Cabernet d’Anjou AOC (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon)
The Upper Loire area is also known as the ______________.
Auvergne
Describe the Upper Loire climate
Continental; cold winters (compounded by higher elevation) and warm summers. Large diurnal shifts
What is the Chaine des Puys?
Chain of extinct volcanos that provide a rain shadow to some of the Upper Loire AOCs. There are two other mountains that provide rain shadows to two other Upper Loire AOCs
