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Loire: Appellations Part 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Rank the top ten AOCs of Loire from highest to lowest production.

A
  1. Cabernet d’Anjou AOC (15%)
  2. Touraine AOC (10%)
  3. Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC (9%)
  4. Sancerre AOC (9%)
  5. Cremant de Loire AOC (7%)
  6. Vouvray AOC (6%)
  7. Saumur AOC (5%)
  8. Rose d’Anjou AOC (5%)
  9. Pouilly-Fume AOC (4%)
  10. Chinon AOC (3%)
    Others (27%)

(2019)

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2
Q

Where is Pays Nantais located?

A

This is the westernmost sub-region in the Loire Valley. It is located near the city of Nantes. It lies directly on the Atlantic Ocean.

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3
Q

Where are the Pays Nantais vineyards planted?

A
  • Generally flat
  • slightly south-facing
  • within 6-60mi/10-96km of the Atlantic coast.
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4
Q

What is the climate in Pays Nantais?

A

Maritime

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5
Q

What topographical feature influences the climate in Pays Nantais?

A

Atlantic Ocean
* moderates temperatures in winter & summer
* winds bring regular rainfall

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6
Q

What are the seasons like in Pays Nantais?

A
  • Winters are mild & quite damp
  • Springs are cool, damp & often cloudy
  • Summers are warm and sunny with occasional rainstorms
  • Autumns tend to be warm & mild
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7
Q

What threats to vines face in Pays Nantais?

A
  • April frosts
  • Humidity can cause rot & mildew outbreaks
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8
Q

Which Loire sub-region is usually the first to experience budbreak in the spring?

A

Pays Nantais

Also, always the first to begin the harvest.

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9
Q

Describe the topography in Pays Nantais.

A
  • Predominantly flat coastline area
  • Few topographical markers
  • Bisected by the Sevre & Maine rivers
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10
Q

What geological formation does Pays Nantais rest upon?

A

Massif Amoricain

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11
Q

What soil types are found in Pays Nantais?

A

Soils here are derived from rocks of ancient & complex origin:
* Volcanic
* Igneous
* Metamorphic

They are predominantly acidic:
* Gneiss
* Mica schist
* With little limestone

Weathering & erosion have left them usefully free-draining with a multiplicity of mineral nuances which local growers believe affect wine flavour.

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12
Q

Why are porous soils essential in Pays Nantais?

A
  • Natural humidity of the seashore
  • Large/high subterranean water table
  • Plethora of river systems
  • Significant rainfall

Without porous soils, these factors would result in high-yielding vines that produce wines of very little extract.

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13
Q

Name the white grape varieties of Pays Nantais.

A
  • Melon de Bourgogne: the most important grape here, represented by approx. 75% of its plantings
  • Chardonnay
  • Folle Blanche
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Colombard
  • Montils
  • Sauvignon Blanc
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14
Q

Name the rose/gris grape varieties of Pays Nantais.

A
  • Pinot Gris: used to make sweet wine in Coteaux d’Ancenis
  • Grolleau Gris: a supplemental variety used in Fiefs Vendeens
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15
Q

Name the red grape varieties of Pays Nantais.

A
  • Gamay: represents about 5% of plantings; it is the primary grape for Coteau d’Ancenis.
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Negrette
  • Pinot Noir
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16
Q

Name the appellations of Pays Nantais.

A
  1. Muscadet AOC (1937)
  2. Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC (1936)
  3. Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC (1936)
  4. Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC (1994)
  5. Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC (1954)
  6. Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC (1954)
  7. Fiefs Vendeens AOC (1984)
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17
Q

What area does the Muscadet AOC cover?

A

This sub-regional appellation covers the entire growing area of Pays Nantais.

The winegrowing area is mostly flat and closely overlaps the Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC.

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18
Q

What style of wine is produced under Muscadet AOC?

A

Dry White

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19
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the production of Muscadet AOC?

A
  • [P] Melon de Bourgogne
  • [S] Chardonnay: up to 10% is authorized as of the 2021 vintage
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20
Q

What restriction is placed upon the wines of Muscadet AOC?

A

Not permitted to produce wines sur lie.

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21
Q

How much wine is produced under the Muscadet AOC?

A

Only 20% of all Muscadet produced.
Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC actually produces more wine, despite Muscadet AOC covering more ground.

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22
Q

Which appellations in Pais Nantais require the wines to be 100% Melon do Bourgogne?

A
  • Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC
  • Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC
  • Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC
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23
Q

Where is Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC located?

A

It stretches south and east of the city of Nantes and is situated on the south side of the Loire River.

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24
Q

What percentage of Muscadet is bottled under the Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC?

A

75%

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25
Q

What percentage of wines produced in Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC are aged sur lie?

A

90%

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26
Q

Where does Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC get its name?

A

From two Loire tributaries:
* Sevre Nantaise River
* Maine River

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27
Q

How many DGCs are there in Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC? Name them.

A

9 DGCs termed Crus Communaux:
1. Chateau-Thebaud
2. Clisson
3. Gorges
4. Goulaine
5. Monnieres-Saint-Fiacre
6. Mouzillon-Tillieres
7. Le Pallet
8. Vallet
9. La Haye-Fouassiere

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28
Q

What are the regulations for DGCs under the Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC?

A
  • Lower yields
  • Higher alcohol
  • Longer min. sur lie aging requirements than other Muscadet AOCs
  • may NOT put the term sur lie on their labels
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29
Q

Which of the Muscadet AOCs in Pay Nantais is the smallest and furthest from the sea?

A

Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC

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30
Q

Where is Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC located?

A

Its zone of production is located northeast of Nantes, on both sides of the Loire River, and overlaps most of the Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC.

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31
Q

Where are the vineyards planted in Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC?

A

On hillsides. (The other Muscadet regions are planted to relatively flat terrain)

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32
Q

Does Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC have any DGCs?

A

One: Champtoceaux

In total, there are 10 DGCs in the Pays Nantais.

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33
Q

Where is Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC located?

A

This appellation is located southwest of Nantes along Lake Grand-Lieu. Of all the Muscadet sub-regions, it is closest to the ocean.
The terrain is flat.

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34
Q

How does the ocean influence the Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC region?

A
  • Sea breezes chase away storm clouds
  • Confers a touch of salinity to the finished wines
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35
Q

What are the rules behind wines labeled sur lie in the Muscadet producing regions of Pays Nantais?

A

Wine law mandates that wines labeled sur lie must be bottled in cellars between March 1st and December 31st of the year after harvest.

Because of this stipulation, other growing areas with longer lees aging cannot put sur lie on the label.

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36
Q

What style of wine is produced in Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC?

A

Dry White

They may label their wines sur lie if the wines have undergone aging on its lees.

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37
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted under Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Folle Blanche
* [S] Colombard, Montils

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38
Q

What is the Folle Blanche variety called in the Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC?

A

Gros Plant: this literally translates as “big plant”; the vine is quite vigorous and high yielding

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39
Q

Where are vineyards in Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC planted?

A

On the best parcels along the Sevre and Maine rivers in sandy soils peppered with gravel and granite.

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40
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC?

A
  • Rose
  • Red
  • Semi-Sweet White: 2-4% (20-40 g/l) RS

Production is almost evenly divided between the 3 styles.

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41
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC?

A

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Pinot Gris: locally called Malvoisie

Red:
* [P] Gamay: 65% of total vineyard plantings
* [S] Cabernet Franc

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42
Q

How are the semi-sweet white wines from Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC labeled?

A

Coteaux d’Ancenis Malvoisie

They are made from Pinot Gris, locally named Malvoisie.

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43
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Fiefs Vendeens AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Rose
  • Red
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44
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Fiefs Vendeens AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
* [S] Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Grolleau Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Negrette

Nearly 80% of the appellation’s vineyards are planted to red grapes.

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45
Q

Fiefs Vendeens labels are always coupled with what?

A

One of its 5 DGCs:
1. Brem
2. Chantonnay
3. Mareuil
4. Pissotte
5. Vix

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46
Q

Which grape is used in the production of white wines from Fiefs Vendeens AOC?

A

Chenin Blanc (majority)

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47
Q

Which grapes are used to produce red wines in which DGCs in the Fiefs Vendeens AOC?

A
  • Brem & Pissotte: Pinot Noir
  • Chantonnay, Mareuil & Vix: Cabernet Franc
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48
Q

Which grape are used to produce roses in Fiefs Vendeens AOC?

A
  • Gamay
  • Pinot Noir

Proportions differ from one DGC to the next.

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49
Q

Which sub-region in Loire Valley has the largest viticultural area?

A

Anjou and Saumur (Middle Loire)

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50
Q

Anjou and Saumur is dominated by which grape varieties?

A
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Cabernet Franc
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51
Q

What are the vinegrowing areas in Middle Loire?

A

Moving from west to east along the river:
* Anjou: the area around the city of Angers. It includes the Layon Valley, well known for its sweet wine production.
* Saumur: the area around the city of Saumur

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52
Q

What is the climate in Anjou and Saumur?

A

Maritime & Continental influences.

It is impacted by Atlantic winds; however, this declines with increasing distance from the ocean.
Seasonal temperature swings, common to continental climates, become more significant further inland.

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53
Q

How does the climate in Middle Loire compare to other sub-regions in Loire Valley?

A
  • Slightly colder in winter & slightly warmer in summer than Pays Nantais
  • More temperate climate than Sancerre & its environs
  • Dual climate due to maritime & continental influences
  • Mesoclimates arising from different expositions
54
Q

How do red grapes grown in Middle Loire fair?

A
  • Harvested with bright acidity typically associated with northern climes
  • optimal sites with carefully managed yields manage to produce wines with depth and richness
55
Q

What is Tuffeau?

A

Geologically known as Turonian chalk, this limestone substance formed during the late Cretaceous period (89-93mya).
Unexposed to air, it is soft, malleable and easily quarried. It hardends after air contact.
Cut blocks have been used for buidlings, monuments and chateaux.
In Saumur and Touraine, there are kilometers of chalk caves used for growing mushrooms and aging wine. Some even function as homes (troglodyte dwellings).

56
Q

What geological structure(s) is Anjou situated on?

A
  • Massif Armoricain
  • Paris Basin
57
Q

What soil types are found in Anjou?

A
  • “Black Anjou”: soils in the west are dark schists & sandstone
  • “White Anjou”: soils in the east are comprised of white chalk, known as tuffeau

This difference is reflected in the color/composition of the stone buildings in each area.

58
Q

What soil types are found in Saumur?

A

Tuffeau (calcium-rich)

59
Q

How has the soil in Saumur contributed to the success of its wines?

A

Wines produced on these calcium-rich soils possess significant acidity.
For this reason, this sub-region has been a shining star in sparkling wine production since the 19th century.
Lighter-bodied, fruit driven reds are crafted from grapes planted upon pockets of sand found near the rivers.

60
Q

What is La Douceur Angevine?

A

This name (Sweet Anjou) describes the climate around Angers and to the south of it.
This is a climate that is not too cold in the winter and not too hot in the summer, thanks to moderate oceanic influences.

61
Q

Name the white grapes of Anjou and Saumer.

A
  • Chenin Blanc: principal grape used in the region for dry, sweet & sparkling
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Orbois/Arbois
62
Q

Name the rose/gris grapes of Anjou and Saumer.

A
  • Grolleau Gris: used in sparkling & rose wines
  • Sauvignon Gris: used in white wines of Haut-Poitou
63
Q

Name the red grapes of Anjou and Saumer.

A
  • Cabernet Franc: Principal grape used for red, rose & sparkling wines
  • Grolleau Noir: serves as a backbone of off-dry Rose d’Anjou blends; and is incorporated into dry Rose de Loire & sparkling wines
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: sometimes used as blending partner in reds
  • Gamay
  • Merlot
  • Pineau d’Aunis
  • Pinot Noir
  • Cot
64
Q

What percentage of wines from Anjou and Saumer are rose, red, or sparkling?

A
  • Half of wine produced is rose crafted in semi-sweet (Cabernet d’Anjou & Rose d’Anjou) and dry (Rose de Loire) styles
  • 20% red wine
  • 19% sparkling
65
Q

How are the sparklilng wines of Anjou and Saumer released?

A
  • as mousseaux
  • under the Cremant de Loire appellation (shared with Touraine)
66
Q

What are the sweet wines of Anjou and Saumer made from?

A

Exclusively from Chenin Blanc grapes that remain long on the vine and are affected by the flavour- and sugar-concentrating effects of over-ripening and/or noble rot.

Note: dry Chenin Blanc is an increasingly popular style.

67
Q

Name the appellations of Anjou/Layon.

A
  1. Anjou AOC (1936): 11% production
  2. Anjou Villages AOC (1991)
  3. Anjou Brissac AOC (1998)
  4. Cabernet d’Anjou AOC (1964): 60%
  5. Rose d’Anjou AOC (1957): 19%
  6. Coteaux du Layon AOC (1950): 7%
  7. Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC (1954, Grand Cru title in 2011)
  8. Bonnezeaux AOC (1951)
  9. Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC (1946)
  10. Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC (1950)
  11. Savennieres AOC (1952)
  12. Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC (2011
  13. Coulee de Serrant AOC (2011 as Savenniere-Coulee de Serrant)
68
Q

What area does Anjou AOC cover?

A

This sub-regional appellation covers both Anjou & Saumur and includes over 150 villages, most of which are on the left bank (south side) of the Loire.

69
Q

What styles of wine are produced under Anjou AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Red
  • Semi-sweet to Sweet White
  • Sparkling White
  • Sparkling Rose

Reds account for about twice as much production as whites.

70
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Anjou AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
* [S] Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Grolleau Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay
* [S] Grolleau, Pineau d’Aunis

71
Q

Which grapes can be found in a typical red from the Anjou AOC?

A

Blend of:
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon

With supporting grapes:
* Grolleau
* Pineau d’Aunis

72
Q

How is Anjou Gamay made under Anjou AOC?

A
  • 100% Gamay
  • can be vinified as primeur and released the third Thursday of November of the same year the grapes are harvested (akin to Beaujolais Nouveau)
73
Q

How were white wines previously produced under Anjou AOC?

A

These white wines were once considered to be a “consolation prize.” Healthy grapes not affected by botrytis would be picked and vinified into dry wines while vignerons waited for the botrytized grapes to be ready for harvest.

74
Q

How has white wine production changed under the Anjou AOC?

A

Winemakers are giving more focus to these by making 100% Chenin Blanc wines to express the sub-region’s distinct terroirs - schist & chalk.

75
Q

Which grapes are used in the production of sparkling wines from the Anjou AOC?

A
  • mousseaux whites: primarily Chenin Blanc, with other authorized grapes as blending partners
  • Rose mousseaux: produced from the red & gris grapes with no specific regulations for the blend
76
Q

Where are the grapes for Anjou Villages AOC sourced from?

A

From any of the 46villages/communes with proven quality within the Anjou area.
Their names do not appear on the label.

Yields are lower than for Anjou reds.

77
Q

What styles of wine are produced under Anjou Villages AOC?

A

Red

From a blend of both Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon in any proportion.

78
Q

What style of wine is produced in Anjou Brissac AOC?

A

Red wine from both Cabernets, but Cabernet Franc tends to dominate the blend.

79
Q

How does the Anjou Brissac AOC compare to the Anjou Villages AOC?

A

Yields are less for Anjou Brissac AOC (formerly called Anjou Villages Brissac).

80
Q

How does the climate in the village of Brissac differ from other areas in Anjou?

A

A forest shelters the village of Brissac and its surrounding vineyards from cool ocean breezes, making Brissac warmer and drier than its neighbors.

Anjou Brissac AOC

81
Q

Name the 2 rose producing appellations of Anjou and the rose appellation of Loire.

A
  • Cabernet d’Anjou AOC
  • Rose d’Anjou AOC
  • Rose de Loire

Note: the text claims 3 rose appellations in Anjou, but does not state the third.

82
Q

Which appellation in Anjou produces the most rose wine?

A

Cabernet d’Anjou AOC

83
Q

How are the rose wines of Cabernet d’Anjou AOC produced?

A
  • Made from both Cabernets
  • typically vinified via direct press
  • saignee is permitted
  • min. 1% (10g/l) RS
84
Q

What characteristic colour do the wines of Cabernet d’Anjou AOC have?

A

“Onion skin”

85
Q

Which grape varieties are used in the production of Rose d’Anjou AOC wines?

A

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Grolleau Gris: constitutes the backbone of these rose wines.

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Gamay, Grolleau, Pineau d’Aunis

86
Q

What is the minimum sweetness level for Rose d’Anjou AOC wines?

A

0.7% (7g/l) RS

87
Q

Which area boasts the only Premier & Grand Cru in Loire?

A

Vineyards flanking the Layon River:
* Coteaux du Layon AOC: Premier Cru Chaume
* Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC

88
Q

Name the sweet wine producing appellations of Anjou that flank the Layon River.

A
  1. Coteaux du Layon AOC
  2. Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC
  3. Bonnezeaux AOC

All are produced exclusively from Chenin Blanc.

89
Q

What is the minimum sweetness of Coteaux du Layon AOC wines?

A
  • min. 3.4% (34g/l) RS: although most bottlings are significantly higher
  • 6 DGCs: 5.1% (51g/l) *
  • Premier Cru Chaume: 8% (80g/l)

  • Errata 2022
90
Q

What soils are the vineyards of Coteaux du Layon AOC planted on?

A
  • Schists
  • Sands
  • Gravel
91
Q

Where are the vineyards of Coteaux du Layon AOC planted?

A

Flanking both sides of the Layon River; facing either south or southeast, amassing significant heat. This orientation allows grapes to overripen with less threat of rot.

92
Q

Name the 6 DGCs of Coteaux du Layon AOC that are allowed to add their names to the label.

A
  1. Beaulieu-sur-Layon
  2. Faye-d’Anjou
  3. Rablay-sur-Layon
  4. Rochefort-sur-Loire
  5. Saint-Aubin-de-Luigne
  6. Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay
93
Q

Which village is permitted to place its name on a Coteaux du Layon AOC label along with the term “Premier Cru”?

A

The village of Chaume, located in Rochefort-sur-Loire (DGC).

94
Q

How are the grapes of Coteaux du Layon AOC Premier Cru Chaume harvested?

A

Handpicked in successive passes, selecting only overripe grapes, with or without noble rot.

Yields are less than Coteaux du Layon.

95
Q

When can Coteaux du Layon AOC wines use the term Selectione de Grains Nobles on the label?

A

If the Chenin Blanc grapes were affected by noble rot and they achieved 19% potential alcohol.
However, this term has not been embraced and is rarely used.

96
Q

Is chaptalization permitted in the Coteaux du Layon AOC?

A

No, it is disallowed.

97
Q

What are the aging requirements of Coteaux du Layon AOC wines?

A
  • wines are aged until June 1st of the second year after harvest
  • vintage date must appear on label
98
Q

What are the characteristics of Coteaux du Layon AOC wines?

A

Honeyed, with notes of apricot, pineapple and dried fruit.

99
Q

Wht is the minimum sweetness requirement for Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC wines?

A

8.5% (85g/l) RS

100
Q

Where does the Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC get its name?

A

“Quarts” (quarter) references the Middle Ages when farmers had to give one-quarter of their harvest to the local lords.

101
Q

What soils types are found in Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC?

A

A complex mix of:
* Schists and
* Sandstone

102
Q

Where are the vineyards of Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC planted?

A

On south-ward facing slopes, overlooking the Layon River.

103
Q

How are flavours/sugars concentrated in the grapes of Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC?

A
  • Autumn mists from the Layon River encourage the development of noble rot
  • passerillage
104
Q

Which appellation is often compared to the nearby Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC?

A

Bonnezeaux AOC

But it is thought of as having more refreshing acidity.

105
Q

What is the minimum sweetness requirement for Bonnezeaux AOC wines?

A

5.1% (51g/l) RS

This is higher than most of the other sweet appellations, but less than either Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume or Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru.

106
Q

Where is Bonnezeaux AOC located?

A

This appellation lies on the right bank (north side) of the Layon River.

107
Q

Where does Bonnezeaux AOC get its name?

A

From the French “bonnes eaux,” which means “good waters.”

108
Q

Name the sweet wine producing appellations of Anjou that flank the Loire and the Aubance rivers.

A
  • Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC: flanks the Loire River
  • Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC: flanks the Aubance River, a tributary of the Loire River
109
Q

Where is the Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC?

A

This small appellation is situated west of Angers on both sides of the Loire River. It is sandwiched between Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire and Savennieres.

110
Q

What is the minimium sweetness requirement of Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC wines?

A

3.4% (34g/l) RS

Wines range from Semi-Sweet to Sweet White.

111
Q

How significant of an influence does the Loire River have on Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC?

A
  • Strong effect due to vineyards lying within 1.9m/3km of its banks
  • temperature is moderated
  • autumn fog is abundant
112
Q

Where is Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC located?

A

This appellation lies on both banks of the Aubance River, a tributary of the Loire.
It is the warmest of the Anjou appellations because it is well protected from ocean breezes by surrounding forests.

113
Q

What is the minimum sweetness requirement for Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC wines?

A

3.4% (34g/l) RS

Note: Similar to Coteaux du Layon AOC, the term Selection de Grains Nobles can be placed on the label if the grapes have been affected by noble rot.

114
Q

Where is Savennieres AOC located?

A

These vineyards are planted on five steep, south-facing hills perpendicular to the Loire’s right bank (north side).

115
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Savennieres AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Semi-Sweet to
  • Sweet White

Many believe these to be France’s most age-worthy whites.

116
Q

Which grape(s) are permitted in Savennieres AOC wine production?

A

Exclusively Chenin Blanc

117
Q

What are the soil types in Savennieres AOC?

A
  • Slate
  • Schist
  • Volcanic Rock
  • Aeolian sands
118
Q

What are the characteristics of Savennieres AOC wines?

A

Aromas of peaches, dried fruits, honey and beeswax.

119
Q

What is the tradition in the vineyards of Savennieres?

A

Historically, the women of the winegrowing families worked the vineyards and made the wine.
Today, many estates are passed from mother to daughter.

120
Q

List the EU still wine residual sugar regulation terminology along with the required residual sugar levels.

A
  • Dry/Sec: Under 0.4% (4g/l)
  • Medium Dry/Demi-Sec: 0.4-1.2% (4-12g/l)
  • Medium Sweet/Moelleux: 1.2-4.5% (12-45g/l)
  • Sweet/Doux: More than 4.5% (45g/l)
121
Q

When doess the EU residual sugar regulation apply?

A

If there is no explicit statement in the AOC regulations.

122
Q

When can permissible R.S. levels be increased?

A

R.S. levels can increase by category if acidity is over a certain level; this is particularly relevant for dry and medium dry wines.

123
Q

When are appellations required to list the sweetness level on the label according to the EU?

A

Appellations which make wines in a variety of sweetness levels.
Namely:
* Savennieres
* Savenieres-Roche aux Moins
* Coulee de Serrant
* Anjou
* Cour-Cheverny

This is not mandatory for other appellations.

124
Q

Where is Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC located?

A

This lieu-dit lies within the Savennieres AOC.

125
Q

How long has Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC been producing wine?

A

Continuously since the 12th century when the plot was gifted to the Abbey Saint Nicholas of Angers. The monks planted the vineyard which was named “Monks’ Rock” or Roche aux Moines.

126
Q

What are the requirements in the Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC?

A
  • Lower yields than Savennieres
  • Hand harvesting is mandated
  • min. of two passes through the vineyard (harvest)
  • No chaptalization is allowed
127
Q

What styles of wine are produced in the Savennieres Roche aux Moines AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Semi-Sweet White to
  • Sweet White

Min. 3% (30g/l) RS.
Sweet wines are made in years where conditions engender the development of botrytis.

128
Q

Name the monopole that is owned by the Joly family.

A

Coulee de Serrant AOC
17.5ac/6.87ha of vineyard land.

129
Q

What styles of wine are produced in the Coulee de Serrant AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Semi-Sweet to
  • Sweet White

Min. Sweetness: 3% (30g/l) RS

The estate focuses on dry only.

130
Q

Who planted the vineyards in Coulee de Serrant AOC?

A

Cistercian monks in 1130.
These wines have been sold under the name Coulee de Serrant since then.

131
Q

How is the vineyard of Coulee de Serrant AOC farmed?

A
  • Biodynamically
  • Low yields
  • harvested by hands
  • min. of two passes through vineyard (harvest)

French Wine Scholar (34 decks)

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