Loire Flashcards
What are the characteristics of the Loire Valley
-Cold Climate
-Has numerous terriors
-Follows the Loire river
-Famous for white wines
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What are the 4 regions (districts) of Loire
- Nantes
- Anjou-Samur
- Touraine
- Upper/Inner Loire
What are the characteristics of Nantes region of Loire
- Westernmost district of Loire
- Milder climate due to gulf stream and maritime climate
- Soils are sand
- Produces only white wines
- High acid wines
- Best expressions of the wines are ‘sur lies’
What are the Appellations of Gros Plant AOC
- Muscadet de Sevre et Maine AOC
- Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC
- Muscadet AOC
What are the characteristics of Anjou-Samur districts of Loire
- Continental climate and diverse soils better for red wine production
- Region is also their own AOC’s (Anjou AOC and Samur AOC)
- Produces whites, roses and sparkling wines
- Largest sparkiling wine producers after Champagne
What are the grape varietals used in the Anjou-Samur districts
- Chenin Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Savignon
- Cabernet Franc
What are the characteristics of Savannieres AOC
- Located in the Anjou-Samur district of Loire
- Chenin Blanc
- most famous white of the Loire
- Hints of botrytis
- Savennieres La Roche Aux Moines AOC and Savennieres Coulee de Serrant AOC are famous AOC’s from the region
What are the characteristics of Samur-Champigny AOC
- Located in the Anjou-Samur district of Loire
- Biggest red of the entire region of Loire
- Based on Cabernet Franc
- Limestone soils
What are the characteristics of the Touraine district
- Colder climate, richer soils, less gulf stream effect
- Tufa soils (white volcanic soils)
What are the varietals of Touraine
- Chenin Blanc
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
What are the important AOC’s of Touraine
- Touraine AOC
- Vouvray AOC
- Chinon AOC
- Bourgueil AOC
What are the characteristics of Touraine AOC
- single varietal labelings
- can be blended if desired
- larger appellation
- Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
What are the characteristics of Vouvray AOC
- Located in the Touraine district
- Chenin Blanc wines
- Vibrant acidity, briny minerality from tufa soils
- Produces dry and sparkling wines with varying sugar levels
What are the characteristics of Chinon and Bourgueil AOC’s
- Located in the Touraine district
- Red wines (Cabernet Franc mainly and some Cabernet Savignon)
- light/medium body wines
- Generous fruit, soft tannins
- hints of minerality
- Chinon is better quality than Bourguiel
What are the characteristics of Upper/Inland Loire
- Cold, no gulf stream effect
- mineral, acid driven wines
- dangerous spring frost
- more aromatically intense wines
- Sauvignon Blanc central
- most famous area of Loire
- Soils of Limestone, Chalk, Kimmeridgian and Silex
