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1
Q

How far is Sancerre from Atlantic?

A

250 mi

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2
Q

How much earlier does spring arrive in Pays Nantais vs. Sancerre?

A

2 weeks

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3
Q

What percentage of total Loire production is Pays Nantais?

A

14%

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4
Q

What percentage of total Loire production is Anjou-Saumur?

A

48%

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5
Q

What percentage of total Loire production is Touraine

A

24%

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6
Q

What percentage of total Loire production is Central Vineyards?

A

14%

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7
Q

What are the 2 grapes of Pays Nantais?

A

Muscadet and Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)

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8
Q

What’s the climate of Pays Nantais? Describe it (spring, summer, climate hazards)

A

Cool Maritimecool springs, warm and humid summers and the threat of rain at any time through the growing season but especially in March/April (affecting flowering) and in September (affecting harvest).

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9
Q

What soil characteristic of Pays Nantais helps with high levels of rainfall?

A

well-drained soils help to offset the regular rainfall

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10
Q

Other than rain at difficult times, what’s the MAJOR climatic risk in Pays Nantais? In what year was this last disastrous?

A

Despite the proximity of the Atlantic, spring frosts are a serious problem, setting back the whole region in 1991

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11
Q

When spring frosts were a major problem in 1991, was impact did it have on the wine trade in Pays Nantais? What have producers done in response to this problem?

A

This event led to the loss of what was a booming export market to the UK. Frost has been a serious problem in recent years. Producers are putting in more frost prevention measures, particularly wind machines as well as heaters and burning straw bales.

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12
Q

What’s the only grape allowed in the Muscadet appellations?

A

Muscadet

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13
Q

Describe the viticultural characteristics of Muscadet (climate adaptability, ripening, yields, susceptibility to disease)

A

It is quite a hardy variety, making it well suited to a cool region but buds early making it prone to spring frosts. It ripens relatively early, reducing the threat of rain at harvest and can produce high yields. It has good resistance to powdery mildew but is susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis bunch rot, both of which thrive in the humid climate. Timely and, as necessary, repeated spraying is required, adding some cost.

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14
Q

Describe the general profile of Muscadet wines.

A

Melon makes wines with high acidity, a light body and low to medium alcohol. The wines typically have low aromatic intensity (green apple), which is often made sur lie (see below). The wines are good to very good in quality and inexpensive to mid-priced.

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15
Q

Is basic Muscadet AOC required to be 100% Muscadet?

A

From 2018, basic Muscadet AOC may include up to 10 per cent of Chardonnay.

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16
Q

Why has canopy management become increasingly important in Pays Nantais?

A

With a marginal climate for ripeness, progress has been made in recent decades to improve canopy management.

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17
Q

What canopy management techniques are used in Pays Nantais?

A

In order to facilitate ripeness, canopies are more open than they were and leaf removal is carried out to ensure maximum exposure of grapes to the sun and to reduce the risk of fungal disease. However, care has to be taken that fruit is not sunburnt on the side of the rows facing the sun in the afternoon

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18
Q

What issue exists regarding ripeness of skins and pips in Pays Nantais?

A

Similarly, attention is now paid to the ripeness of skins and pips in determining the harvest date. However, in hot years, the danger is that sugar levels may reach unacceptably high levels before the skins and pips are fully ripe.

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19
Q

Is chaptalization permitted in Pays Nantais (and what percent abv)? When is it usually used?

A

Chaptalization is permitted up to 12% abv potential alcohol and is practiced in cooler years

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20
Q

What type of fermentation vessels are generally used for Muscadet in Pays Nantais? Why?

A

Muscadet is typically fermented and aged in large, shallow underground glass-lined concrete vats, though stainless steel is also used. The idea is to keep the wine as neutral as possible and then to age the wine on the lees.

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21
Q

Is MLF common with Muscadet in Pays Nantais? Why?

A

Malolactic conversion is typically avoided, preserving the high acidity typical of the style.

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22
Q

Is Muscadet style static or evolving?

A

With efforts to raise the profile of Muscadet (see the cru communaux below), winemakers are also experimenting. Examples include skin contact and fermentation in barrel, amphora or concrete eggs, these vessels adding cost.

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23
Q

What’s the purpose of sur lie in Muscadet?

A

This technique is highly typical in the Pays Nantais and is a way of filling out the body of what would otherwise be very light- bodied wines

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24
Q

Describe the process of sur lie in Muscadet

A

After the alcoholic fermentation is completed, one racking is allowed to remove the gross lees. After this, the wine remains in contact with the fine lees through the following winter and until bottling.

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25
What does sur lie aging add to the profile of Muscadet?
Ageing on the lees also retains the freshness of the wine and may retain a small amount of carbon dioxide, which is part of the style of these wines.
26
What are the 2 larger Pays Nantais Muscadet appellations?
There are two larger appellations, Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine AOC (at 8,800 ha the Loire’s largest appellation and Muscadet AOC
27
What are the 2 smaller Pays Nantais Muscadet appellations?
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC and Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC.
28
What's the Max yield of Muscadet AOC?
65 hL/ha
29
What's the Max yield of Muscadet Sevre et Maisnes AOC,Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC and Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC?
55 hL/ha
30
What's the wine profile of Muscadet wines?
The wines are typically dry, with low intensity aroma of green apple and grassy notes, high acidity and a light body. The wines are typically acceptable to good quality (with some very good wines) and inexpensive in price.
31
When Max yields are large, what weakness is often seen in resulting wines?
results in some wines of low flavour intensity
32
What are the 3 Muscadet Cru Communauxs?
Clisson, Gorges and Le Pallet.
33
when can the name of a Muscadet Cru communeaux be added to the label?
If the grapes are grown exclusively in one of these three areas, the name can be added, for example, Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine AOC Clisson.
34
What are the Max yields of the 3 Muscadet Cru Commueaux?
45 hl/ha
35
What are the sur lie aging requirements of each of the the 3 Muscadet Cru Commueaux?
The wines have to be kept on the lees for 18 months (Le Pallet) or 24 months (Clisson, Gorges), adding cost
36
Can the wines of the 3 Muscadet Cru Communeaux be labelled sur lie?
hey cannot be labelled as sur lie as the requirement for long lees ageing means that they are bottled after the date required for sur lie
37
What is the flavor profile of the wines from the the 3 Muscadet Cru Commueaux (as compared with the 4 regular appellations)?
The wines are typically rounder and more complex with longer finishes.
38
After the Pay Nantais export business to the OK suffered as a result in inadequate supply in the wake of the 1991 freeze, what steps has the area taken to improve opportunity?
Muscadet was a huge success in the UK market in the 1980s, and as a result, 13,000 ha were planted. However, the frost of 1991 saw production drop by two-thirds. This pushed prices up at a time when new world wines, especially Australian wines, were becoming popular. More recently, Muscadet has sought to reposition itself as a source of terroir-specific wines of high quality with good value for money.
39
What percentage of Pay Nantais wines are exported?
Exports of wines from the Pays Nantais are 17 per cent by volume.[
40
What's the role of negotiants in Pays Nantais?
Négociants continue to play an important role, accounting for over half of sales, though this is less than in the past. Many smaller local négociants have been bought up by larger companies. Castel, Grand Chais de France and the Loire-based Ackerman now account for a large proportion of négociant sales.
41
Does Pays Nantais market their wines separately or do they partner with other Loire regions?
The Pays Nantais promotes its wines together with those Anjou-Saumur and Touraine via InterLoire (Interprofession des Vins du Val de Loire).
42
What are the prime varieties of the middle Loire?
Chenin Blanc for dry, off-dry and sweet white wines and Cabernet Franc for red wines and as one contributor to rosé wines. Sauvignon Blanc is the key white variety in Touraine.
43
What are the prime varieties of the middle Loire?
Chenin Blanc for dry, off-dry and sweet white wines and Cabernet Franc for red wines and as one contributor to rosé wines. Sauvignon Blanc is the key white variety in Touraine.
44
What's the climate of Anjou Saumur? Touraine?
In Anjou-Saumur, the maritime effect is more marked. Touraine has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, but this is not as extreme as in the Central Vineyards.
45
What's annual rainfall in the Middle Loire? What problems can be experienced in the region from inopportune rainfall?
Both Anjou-Saumur and Touraine have around 700 mm of rainfall[1], adequate for viticulture. However, the rains falls throughout the year: spring rain can affect flowering and fruit set, regular summer rain increases disease pressure and rain in late summer and early autumn can affect harvest.
46
What river is influential in Anjou?
In Anjou, the River Layon and its multiple tributaries help to create the misty conditions ideal for the spread of botrytis at the end of the growing season, enabling the production of botrytis-affected wines.
47
What are the viticultural characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
Chenin Blanc buds early making it prone to spring frosts. It is a vigorous variety and if allowed can carry high yields. It is prone to powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot (as well as to the positive effects of botrytis for making sweet wines) and trunk diseases. It ripens late making it vulnerable to the onset of autumn rains. As Chenin Blanc ripens unevenly, for the best quality it has to be picked on several passes through the vineyard. This limits the amount that mechanical picking can be employed. Where growers are seeking a wine with a high proportion of botrytis-affected grapes, multiple passes through the vineyard and picking by hand are necessary, adding to cost.
48
In what styles is Chenin Blanc wine produced in the Middle Loire?
sparkling wine, dry, off-dry and sweet wines.
49
What's the flavor profile of Loire dry and off-dry Chenin Blanc?
Here, the dry and off-dry wines have medium intensity aromas of green apple and lemon (sometimes with a steely, smoky character), medium alcohol, and noticeably high acidity, often balanced with some residual sugar for an off-dry style. They are typically good to very good in quality and inexpensive to mid-price, with some outstanding quality and premium priced options (e.g. Domaine Huet).
50
What are the viticultural characteristics of Cab Franc?
Cabernet Franc is an early budding variety, making it prone to spring frost. It is also prone to coulure and therefore to a reduction in yields. As a mid-ripening variety, it can often be picked before autumn rains begin. If it is not ripened fully, the wines can taste excessive leafy. Better canopy management (avoiding dense canopies, leaf removal) along with warmer summers has reduced the incidence of overly herbaceous Loire Cabernet Franc. It is winter hardy, which makes it a good variety for cool areas.
51
What are the viticultural characteristics of Loire Cab Franc?
Cabernet Franc is an early budding variety, making it prone to spring frost. It is also prone to coulure and therefore to a reduction in yields. As a mid-ripening variety, it can often be picked before autumn rains begin. If it is not ripened fully, the wines can taste excessive leafy. Better canopy management (avoiding dense canopies, leaf removal) along with warmer summers has reduced the incidence of overly herbaceous Loire Cabernet Franc. It is winter hardy, which makes it a good variety for cool areas.
52
Are cab Franc wines typically single variety or blended in Anjou? In Touraine?
In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc tends to be used to make single varietal wines or be part of a rosé blend. In eastern Touraine, the limit of the area where it will ripen fully, it is blended with Cot, the local name for Malbec.
53
What are the viticultural characteristics of Loire Grolleau Noir? What's it main use in this area?
This is an early budding and mid-ripening variety. It is prone to botrytis bunch rot. It is used mainly as a blending variety in rosés, especially Rosé d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire.
54
What vinification methods are typically used for Loire Gamay Noir? where in the Loire is it principally grown?
It is generally made by carbonic maceration, as in Beaujolais. Some Gamay is found in Anjou; however, it is principally grown in Touraine as well as in the Central Vineyards.
55
What are the viticultural characteristics of Loire Cab Sauv? What's it main use in this area?
Being a late ripening variety Cabernet Sauvignon performs best in the Loire in temperate Anjou and here only really in the warmest sites where early budding is possible. For red wines, it is frequently blended with Cabernet Franc. It is also used in rosé blends.
56
Describe Loire Chenin Blanc winemaking.
Chenin Blanc is fermented at cool to mid-range temperatures. As a result, fermentation can last several months. Large old oak or stainless steel containers are typically used as fermentation vessels. Typically, malolactic fermentation is avoided, and wines are aged in neutral containers, not new barriques. The aim is to retain primary fruit aromas and flavours.
57
Describe Loire Cab Franc winemaking.
Cabernet Franc is typically pressed, fermented in concrete or old wood vats that allow punch downs and/or pump overs. Many producers prefer to use ambient yeasts and it is typical to age the wine in used oak barrels of a range of sizes. As with Chenin Blanc, the aim is to retain primary fruit aromas and flavours. Some more expensive wines may be aged in a proportion of new French oak barriques.
58
Describe Loire Rose winemaking.
Many Loire rosés are made by direct press. Short maceration is used on some rosés. Winemaking then proceeds as it would for white wine with short ageing (3-4 months) in neutral containers.
59
Does Loire have a generic regional appellation, like Bordeaux AOC?
here is no regional generic appellation for the Loire such as Bordeaux AOC. However, there are three regional appellations in the middle Loire: Anjou AOC, Saumur AOC and Touraine AOC.
60
What are the Anjou appellations, from West to East?
``` Anjou AOC (whole area) Anjou Villages AOC Savenierres AOC Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume AOC Quarts de Chaume AOC Bonnezeaux AOC Coteaux du Layon AOC Saumur Champigny AOC ```
61
What are the Anjou Saumur appellations, from West to East?
``` Anjou AOC (whole area) Anjou Villages AOC Savenierres AOC Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume AOC Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC Bonnezeaux AOC Coteaux du Layon AOC Aaumur AOC Coteaux de Saumur AOC Saumur Champigny AOC ```
62
What grapes can be used in Anjou AOC blancs? Rouge?
Anjou Blanc must have a minimum of 80 per cent Chenin Blanc and Anjou Rouge a minimum of 70 per cent of Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.
63
What is made in Anjou Villages AOC? Max yields? Harvest requirements?
Higher quality reds from specifically designated areas are made as Anjou Villages AOC. This is for still red wine only, made entirely from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, either singly or blended; in practice, they are mostly Cabernet Franc. Maximum yield is 55 hL/ha and the wines can only be released in September the year after harvest.
64
Do producers in Anjou use the Anjou AOC appellation or declassify?
A significant number of good producers in Anjou prefer to forsake the appellation system and opt for Vin de France.
65
What are the vineyard attributes in Coteaux du Layon AOC?
his is a large appellation located on the steep slopes on the right bank of the Layon River, which runs into the Loire.
66
What is Coteaux du Layon AOC famous for?
It specializes in wines made from botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc grapes
67
What options are available in Coteaux du Layon if botrytis fails to form?
If botrytis fails to form, the wines may also be dried on the vine.
68
What's the flavor profile of Coteaux du Layon wines?
The natural high acidity of Chenin Blanc allows lusciously sweet wines to be balanced.The wines have pronounced aromas of cooked citrus and apple with honey notes. They are medium (+) bodied, medium alcohol, high acidity and a sweet finish. The prices range from mid-priced to premium.
69
In terms of strictness, rate the sweet sub-appellations of Anjou/Saumur.
Coteau du Layon < Bonnezeaux < Quarts du Chaume
70
How do stricter appellation requirements in Bonnezeaux and Quarts du Chaume effect the flavor profile of these wines?
The higher potential alcohol and the lower maximum yield results in wines of very high flavour intensity and a rich texture. Prices are typically premium, with a few super-premium examples.
71
Is Quarts du Chaume a Grand Cru? Does this area have a Premier Cru?
Yes.From 2019 Quarts de Chaume will officially be the Loire’s first Grand Cru. At the same time, Coteaux du Layon AOC Chaume will become Premier Cru
72
What's the Max yield and Min Potential Alcohol of Coteaux du Layon AOC?
35 hl/ha | 14%
73
What's the Max yield and Min Potential Alcohol of Coteaux du Layon + named village AOC?
30 hl/ha 15%
74
What's the Max yield and Min Potential Alcohol of Bonnezeaux AOC?
25 hl/ha | 15%
75
What's the Max yield and Min Potential Alcohol of Coteaux du Layon AOC Premier Cru Chaume AOC?
25 hl/ha | 16.5%
76
What's the Max yield and Min Potential Alcohol of Quarts du Chaume Grand Cru AOC?
20 hl/ha | 18%
77
Describe current demand for the sweet wines of Anjou.
All these sweet wines have proved to be difficult to sell due to a generally low demand for sweet wines. As a result, producers have switched to producing lower volumes of sweet wine and higher volumes of dry wine.
78
Describe the Physical characteristics of the Savenierres vineyards.
This is a small but prestigious appellation mainly specialising in fully dry wine made from Chenin Blanc. South- facing slopes, low-fertility, rocky schist soils and low yields all give concentration and ripeness
79
What's the general style of Savenierres?
hese wines have very high acidity and often reach high levels of alcohol. They can be very austere in youth and historically have required many years in bottle before they became approachable.
80
Has Savenierres austerity improved? Why?
As vineyard management has improved over the last few decades ago and with generally warmer weather, some producers now make the wines in a concentrated but slightly more fruity, approachable style
81
What's Savenierres Max yield?
50 hl/ha
82
Is new oak common in Savenierres wines?
Not generally, butSome producers are creating premium cuvées using a proportion of new oak barrels.
83
What are the 2 smaller AOC within Savenierres? What's their Max yield? How does the wine style differ?
Savennières La Roche aux Moines AOC and Coulée de Serrant AOC.They benefit from warm sites on slopes facing the Loire, resulting in riper fruit. They have lower maximum yield requirements (30 hL/ha for dry wines). Coulée de Serrant AOC is a monopole, owned exclusively and farmed biodynamically by Nicolas Joly, a figurehead of the biodynamic movement.
84
Describe the wines of Rose de Loire AOC.
his wine can be made from a range of varieties including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Grolleau Noir. The maximum yield is 60 hL/ha and the wines are dry. The wine can also be produced outside Anjou-Saumur but rarely is.
85
Describe the wines of Rose d'Anjou AOC.
This is mainly made from Grolleau though other options include the two Cabernets, Cot and Gamay. The maximum yield is 65 hL/ha which can lead to wines of low flavour intensity. Typically, the wines are medium pink-orange in colour (some lighter examples are now being made), medium intensity red berry fruit, medium (+) acidity and medium alcohol; they are medium dry. The wines are inexpensive to mid-price. This is a popular wine and the best-selling of the three AOCs.
86
Describe the wines of Cabernet d'Anjou AOC.
his must be made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The maximum yield is 60 hL/ha. The wines are typically a deeper colour than most rosé (medium pink) and medium-dry.
87
Name the 3 Rose appellations in Anjou
Rose de Loire AOC Rose D'Anjou AOC Cabernet d'Anjou AOC
88
Describe the wines of Saumur AOC.
includes white, red and rosé still wines, as well as the sparkling wines dealt with in the unit on Sparkling Wine. The white wines are made from Chenin Blanc, the reds principally from Cabernet Franc and the rosés from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Maximum yields are the relatively high 60 hL/ha for whites and 57 hL/ha for reds and rosés, leading to some wines with low flavour intensity.
89
Describe the wines of Coteaux de Saumur AOC.
Sweet Chenin Blanc wines are made as Coteaux de Saumur AOC with over-ripe grapes, with or without botrytis, picked in a number of passes through the vineyard. Maximum yields are limited to 35 hL/ha. The wines are lusciously sweet, balanced by high acidity.
90
Describe the wines of Saumur Champigny AOC.
This is an appellation for red wines made principally from Cabernet Franc, minimum 85 per cent.
91
What's the flavor profile of Saumur Champigny AOC wines?
Wines typically are pale ruby in colour and have medium to medium (+) intensity of redcurrant fruit, sometimes with leafy aromas, medium alcohol, high acidity and medium tannin.
92
What's the flavor profile of Saumur Champigny AOC wines?
Wines typically are pale ruby in colour and have medium to medium (+) intensity of redcurrant fruit, sometimes with leafy aromas, medium alcohol, high acidity and medium tannin.Most wines are good to very good quality and inexpensive to mid-price, with a few premium examples, such as Clos Rougeard.
93
What's the Max yield of Saumur Champigny AOC?
57 hl/ha
94
When can Saumur Champigny wines be released?
he wine may be released as early as December of the year of the harvest. Most wines are intended to be drunk young for their primary fruit.
95
Where are many wines of Saumur Champigny sold?
he wines of this appellation became very successful in the bars and bistros of Paris from the 1970s onwards with the Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg cooperative (now named after its founders, Cave Robert et Marcel) championing the Cabernet Franc grape in a light, accessible style.

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