Loire - Anjou-Saumur and Touraine Flashcards
what are the key grapes/wines in Middle Loire?
Chenin blanc for dry, off-dry and sweet white wines
Cabernet Franc for red wines, and Rosé
Sauvignon Blanc key in Touraine
What is the climate in Anjou-Saumur/Touraine?
influence of Atlantic Ocean decreased in Anjou-S and then Touraine
Anjou-Saumur = maritime effect more market
Touraine = continental climate with cold winters and warm summers
both regions have approx 70cm rainfall
What is the key river in Anjou?
Layon - multiple tributaries = create misty conditions for spread of botrytis
What are the soil types?
Wide range incl:
clay-limestone
flint-clay
sand
gravel
tuff
What is there more of in the soil in Anjou?
more schist and limestone
what is there more of in the soil in Touraine?
more chalk
Key properties of the soil?
Good drainage
water retention characteristics of limestone
High lime content rootstocks For al and Riparian Loire de Montpelier = protect form chlorosis
describe the Chenin Blanc grape
Early budding - frost risk
Vigorous, high yields
prone to Powdery Mildew, botrytis bunch rot and trunk disease
Ripens unevenly
requires several passes through vineyard which limits machine harvest
Botrytis affected grapes = multiple passes through vineyard - adds to cost
What styles of wine does Chenin Blanc produce in Middle Loire?
Describe the dry and off-dry wines
dry, off-dry and sweet wines
Medium Intensity of green apple and lemon (some steely/smoky character)
med alcohol
high acidity, often balanced with residual sugar for off-dry
Good to v good quality
inexpensive to mid-price
some outstanding quality and premium options (Domaine Huet)
Describe Cabernet Franc grape
Early budding - prone to frost and coulure = reduced yields
mid-ripening
Canopy management and warmer summers reduce herbaceous flavours
Winter hardy - suitable for cool areas
Describe the wines that Cab Franc produces
pronounced intensity of red fruit (red currant, raspberry)
floral (violet)
can have leafy aromas
light-med body
med tannins
high acidity
