Loire: Appellations Part 2 Flashcards
1
Q
Which sub-region is the largest producer of sparkling wines in the Loire?
A
Saumur (fines bulles)
- partly due to the size of the AOC
- partly because the permitted yields for its mousseux are higher than for the Cremant de Loire AOC
Note: still whites, reds and roses are also produced
2
Q
Name the appellations of Saumur.
A
- Saumur AOC (1936, Sparkling 1957, Rose 1964): 59% of production
- Saumur-Champigny AOC (1957): 37%
- Coteaux de Saumur AOC (1962)
- Haut-Poitou AOC (1970): 4%
3
Q
What styles of wine are produced in Saumur AOC?
A
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
- Sparkling White
- Sparkling Rose
4
Q
Which grape varieties are permitted in Saumur AOC?
A
White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
* [S] Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Grolleau Gris
Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
* [S] Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay, Grolleau, Pinot Noir
5
Q
What area does the Saumur AOC cover?
A
This appellation largely covers the Saumur region.
However, Saumur AOC mousseux incorporates some areas of Anjou.
6
Q
What is Saumur mousseaux ofter referred to as?
A
Saumur Brut
7
Q
Which grape varieties are used in the sparkling wines of Saumur AOC?
A
- White Sparkling: Chenin Blanc is primary
- Rose Sparkling: Cabernet Franc is primary
- all other authorised varieties can complement in the blend
8
Q
How long are sparkling wines from Saumur AOC required to rest sur lie?
A
min. 9 months
9
Q
Which grapes go into Saumur AOC white wines?
A
100% Chenin Blanc
10
Q
Which grapes go into Saumur AOC red wines?
A
- primarily Cabernet Franc
- optional additions of:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pineau d’Aunis
11
Q
Which grapes go into Saumur AOC rose wines?
A
A combination of:
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon
Stylistically dry.
These wines were formerly Cabernet de Saumur.
12
Q
How many DGCs are there in Saumur AOC?
A
One
Puy-Notre-Dame:
* Crafted from Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon is the authorized blending partner
13
Q
Which is the most important red appellation in the Anjou-Saumur region?
A
Saumur-Champigny AOC
14
Q
What area does the Saumur-Champigny AOC cover?
A
This small zone is comprised of 8 villages near the town of Saumur, situated on the left bank of the Loire River.
15
Q
Where does Saumur-Champigny AOC get its name?
A
“Champigny” is believed to have been derived from the Latin campus igni meaning “field of fire” because of the area’s warm mesoclimate.
16
Q
What style(s) of wine are produced in Saumur-Champigny AOC?
A
Red
17
Q
Which grape varieties are permitted for Saumur-Champigny AOC?
A
Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon
* [S] Pineau d’Aunis
18
Q
What soil type is found in Saumur-Champigny AOC and how does it influence the wines?
A
Tuffeau soils give elegance, soft tannins and freshness to the wines.
19
Q
Where is the Coteaux de Saumur AOC located?
A
This appellation covers a large area south of the town of Saumur, but the area under vine is quite small.
20
Q
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux de Saumur AOC?
A
- Semi-Sweet to
- Sweet White
min. 3.4% (34g/l)
Sweet wines are produced from overripe grapes that may or may not be affected by noble rot.
21
Q
Which grape variety(s) are used to produce Coteaux de Saumur AOC wines?
A
White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
This area has been planted to this variety since the Middle Ages.
22
Q
How are grapes harvested in Coteaux de Saumur AOC?
A
Hand harvest is mandatory (sweet wines).
23
Q
Where is Haut-Poitou AOC located?
A
Southeast of Saumur. The vineyards are situated north of the city of Poitiers.
24
Q
Which region is the Haut-Poitou AOC connected to?
A
- Administratively connected to the region where Cognac is made
- Viticulturally connected to the Loire
25
What is the climate in **Haut-Poitou AOC**?
Decidedly continental
* Hils block any maritime influence coming from the west.
26
Where are the vineyards planted in **Haut-Poitou AOC**?
On an elevated plateau, facing south.
27
What styles of wine are produced in **Haut-Poitou AOC**?
* Dry White
* Rose
* Red
28
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Haut-Poitou AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Sauvignon Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**, **Pinot Noir**, **Gamay**
* [S] **Merlot**
29
What are the soil types in **Haut-Poitou AOC**?
* Sands
* Chalky-clays
* Flint-rich sandy clays
30
Which grapes are used to make red, white & rose wines in **Haut-Poitou AOC**?
* White wine: **Sauvignon Blanc** & **Sauvignon Gris**
* Rose: **Cabernet Franc** mainly
* Red: **Cabernet Franc** mainly
31
What are the **3** zones that **Touraine**'s vineyards can be divided into?
* The west make red wines from **Cabernet Franc**
* The east crafts whites from **Sauvignon Blanc**
* The center produces whites from **Chenin Blanc**
32
What is the climate in **Touraine**?
It transitions from **maritime** to **semi-continental** (west to east).
33
What is a common climatic threat to the vines in **Touraine**?
Spring frosts are common.
34
Name the **4** main types of soils in **Touraine**.
1. ***Tuffeau***: widespread from western **Touraine** to **Vouvray**.
2. *Clay* & *Limestone* (***aubuis***): on hillsides/
3. Sedimentary deposits such as *sands* and *gravels*: near rivers and river terraces.
4. *Flinty-clay* (***argiles a silex***; also called ***perruches***): found in **Vouvray**, **Montlouis** and eastern **Touraine**.
35
Name the white grapes of **Touraine**.
* **Chenin Blanc**: primary for white & sparkling
* **Sauvignon Blanc**: primary for white
* **Romorantin**: grown exclusively in **Cour-Cheverny**
* **Chardonnay**
* **Orbois**
36
Name the rose/gris grapes of **Touraine**.
* **Grolleau Gris**
* **Pinot Gris**
* **Sauvignon Gris**
37
Name the red grapes of **Touraine**.
* **Cabernet Franc**: primary grape for red wine; important for rose
* **Cot**: primary
* **Gamay**: primary, takes spotlight in certain appellations
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* **Grolleau**
* **Merlot**
* **Meunier**
* **Pineau d'Aunis**: used in roses
* **Pinot Noir**: takes spotlight in certain appellations
38
How much area does **Touraine** have under vine?
This large growing area has more than **40,000ac**/**16,000ha** under vine.
39
What percentage of wine production in **Touraine** is red, white, sparkling or rose?
* >50% Red wine
* 27% White wine
* 17% Sparkling wine
* 5% Rose
40
Which appellation in **Touraine** is most important for *fines bulles*?
**Vouvray**
(Sparkling wine)
41
Name the appellations of **Touraine**.
1. **Touraine AOC** (1939, Sparkling 1946): 39% of production
2. **Touraine Noble Joue AOC** (2001)
3. **Bourgueil AOC** (1937): 7%
4. **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC** (1937): 8%
5. **Chinon AOC** (1937): 13%
6. **Vouvray AOC** (1936): 22%
7. **Monlouis-sur-Loire AOC** (1938): 3%
8. **Valencay AOC** (2004)
9. **Cheverny AOC** (1993): 5%
10. **Cour-Cheverny AOC** (1993)
11. **Orleans AOC** (2006)
12. **Orleans-Clery AOC** (2006)
13. Coteaux du Vendomois AOC (2001)
14. Coteaux du Loir AOC (1948)
15. Jasnieres AOC (1937)
Other: 3% of production
42
What area does the **Touraine AOC** cover?
A large area that stretches more than 62mi/100km from the town of *Blois* to the confluence of the *Vienne* and *Loire* rivers.
43
What soil types are found in **Touraine AOC**?
Wide variety of soils:
* *Tuffeau* is most common subsoil
Topsoils vary from:
* *Gravel*
* *Sands*
* *Clays*
* *Perruches*
* *Aubuis*
44
What styles of wine are produced under **Touraine AOC**?
* *Dry White*: primarily **Sauvignon Blanc**
* *Rose*: must be a blend of at least 2 approved grapes, vinified dry; no single grape can exceed 70% of blend
* *Red*: Based on **Cot** if harvested east of meridian line at *Tours*; **Cabernet Franc** if west of this line. Additionally, **Gamay** and **Gamay** *primeur* are produced.
* *Sparkling White*: primarily from **Chenin Blanc** in the *traditional method*, spending 9 months on lees
* *Sparkling Rose*: made from a range of grapes, often **Cabernet Franc**, **Gamay** & **Grolleau**
45
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Touraine AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**
* [S] **Chardonnay**, **Chenin Blanc**, **Orbois**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**, **Grolleau Gris**, **Pinot Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**, **Cot**, **Gamay**
* [S] **Pinot Noir**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Grolleau**, **Meunier**, **Pinot d'Aunis**
46
How many **DGC**s are there in the **Touraine AOC** and what are they?
**5**
1. *Amboise*
2. *Azay-le-Rideau*
3. *Chenonceaux*
4. *Mesland*
5. *Oisly*
Each has a different focus of style & grape variety.
47
What percentage of wines produced in the **Touraine AOC** are dry white?
**60%**
This is in contrast to the **Touraine** region as a whole producing more than 50% red and only 27% white.
48
Where is **Touraine Noble Joue AOC** located?
Situated south of the city of *Tours*, this **AOC** lies within the **Touraine** appellation but has been awarded its own **AOC**.
49
Where does **Touraine Noble Joue AOC** get its name from?
From the city of *Joue-les-Tours* and from the "noble" grapes grown here.
50
What style(s) of wine is produced in **Touraine Noble Joue AOC**
*Rose*
This **AOC** produces a distinctive *vin gris* from a blend of three Pinots:
* **Meunier**: forms the backbone of the blend & contributes body
* **Pinot Gris**: secondary, provides fruit & finesse
* **Pinot Noir**: adds roundness & length
Note: the making of red wine from the same vat is forbidden.
51
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Touraine Noble Joue AOC**?
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Pinot Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Meunier**
* [S] **Pinot Noir**
52
How is the *vin gris* wine of **Touraine Noble Joue AOC** made?
* Largely made via direct press
* Meunier can be given a brief maceration
* Always fermented dry
53
Name the **Cabernet Franc**-based appellations located in the western portion of the **Touraine**.
1. **Bourgueil AOC**
2. **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC**
3. **Chinon AOC**
These **AOC**s produce the most respected reds in all of the **Loire Valley**.
54
Where is **Bourgueil AOC** located?
This appellation lies to the north of **Chinon** on the *right bank* of the **Loire**.
This area used to include **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC** within its boundaries, but the area was separated into two after the French revolution.
55
Describe the topography of **Bourgueil AOC**.
The landscape consists of plains, hills and river terraces.
Vineyards face south to maximize warmth.
56
What styles of wine are produced in the **Bourgueil AOC**?
* Rose
* Red
57
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Bourgueil AOC**?
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**
* [S] **Cabernet Sauvignon**: max 10% is allowed in red or rose wines
58
How do the winemakers of the **Bourgueil AOC** divide the wines?
Into 2 categories based upon the soils where the grapes are grown:
* "*Gravel wines*": tend to display raspberry fruit
* "*Tuffeau wines*": more structured & complex with nuances of spiced plums
Approx. 60% of vineyards lie on *sandy gravels*
59
Where is **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC** located?
This appellation lies to the west of Bourgueil on the right bank of the Loire.
Akin to Bourgueil, the landscape consists of plains, hills and river terraces.
Vineyards face south.
60
What soil types are found in **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC**?
Higher percentage of sandy gravels than **Bourgueil**.
61
What styles of wine are produced in the **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC**?
* *Rose*
* *Red*
Note: wines can be bottle as **Bourgueil**, but is rarely done.
62
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC**?
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**: wines are almost exclusively this
* [S] **Cabernet Sauvignon**: max. 10% in red or rose wines
63
What are the characteristics of wines from **Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC**?
Display raspberry fruit typical of "gravel wines" and a supple mouthfeel.
Tannins are supple, generous fruit.
Wines are fast to mature and can be consumed upon release.
Some cuvees can easily age.
64
Which appellation in the **Loire Valley** is the largest by volume?
**Chinon AOC**
65
Where is **Chinon AOC** located?
This appellation flanks the *Vienne River* and covers the area around and to the southeast of the *Chinon* commune.
This is one of the warmest growing areas in **Touraine** thanks to the forests that lie to the north & west, which protect the vineyards from storms and cold winds.
66
What soil types are found in **Chinon AOC**?
* *Sands* & *gravels*: vineyards closest to the river
* *Tuffeau*: found on slopes
* *Flint-clay* & *sands*: higher elevations (delivering lighter wines of great finesse)
67
Name the **2** appellations in the center of the **Touraine** region that specialize in dry & sparkling white wines from **Chenin Blanc**.
* **Vouvray AOC**: larger of the two, produces nearly eight times more wine
* **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC**
68
Which appellation is **Middle Loire**'s largest producer of white **AOC** wine by volume?
**Vouvray AOC**
* Dry
* Off-dry and
* Sweet
69
Where is **Vouvray AOC** located?
On the right bank of the *Loire River* and central **Touraine**.
70
What styles of wine are produced in **Vouvray AOC**?
* Dry White
* Semi-Sweet to
* Sweet White: min. sweetness is according to EU levels
* Sparkling White
71
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Vouvray AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Chenin Blanc**: primary
* [S] **Orbois**: optional inclusion in small amounts
72
What percentage of wine production in **Vouvray AOC** is sparkling?
**60%** are *mousseaux* and *petillant*
73
How are sparkling wines in **Vouvray AOC** produced?
*Mousseaux* & *petillant* wines are made by:
* methode traditionelle
* spend min. 12 months aging sur lie before release
74
Where is **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC** located?
This appellation is situated on the *left bank* of the *Loire River*, across from **Vouvray** in central **Touraine**. The *Cher River* runs along the south edge of the region.
75
What styles of wine are produced in **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC**?
* Dry White
* Semi-Sweet to
* Sweet White: min. sweetness is according to EU levels
* Sparkling White
76
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC**?
**Chenin Blanc** only.
77
What soil types are found in **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC**?
* *Flinty-clays* (*perruches*)
* *Chalky-clays* (*aubuis*)
* *Sand* & *gravel*
78
What percentage of vineyards in **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC** are organic or Terra Vitis?
* 35% Organic
* 35% certified as Terra Vitis (halfway to organic practices)
79
Which wine style was approved for **Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC** production in 2017?
***Petillant originel***
80
What are the winemaking regulations surrounding *petillant originel* wine?
* Harvest by hand
* no additions in winemaking process of any kind: including sugar or yeast
* only one fermentation
* 9 months on lees
* disgorgement is without *dosage*
81
Name the **5** appellations situated in the east end of the **Touraine**.
* **Valencay AOC**
* **Cheverny AOC**
* **Cour-Cheverny AOC**
* **Orleans AOC**
* **Orleans-Clery AOC**
82
Which appellation in **Touraine** shares its name with a famous semi-soft goat cheese?
**Valencay AOC**
83
Where is **Valencay AOC** located?
This appellation is located on the *left bank* of the *Cher River* in the southeastern quadrant of **Touraine**.
It is only 19mi/30km away from the **Centre-Loire AOC**s of **Quincy** & **Reuilly**.
Surrounding forests protect the vines from cold winds.
84
What soil types are found in **Valencay AOC**?
* *Chalk*
* *Perruches* (*Flinty-clays*)
* *Sandy gravels*
85
What styles of wine are produced in **Valencay AOC**?
* *Dry White*: mostly **Sauvignon Blanc**
* *Rose*: blends based on **Gamay**
* *Red*: blends based on **Gamay**
86
Which grape varieties are permitted under the **Valencay AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**
* [S] **Chardonnay**, **Orbois**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Cot**, **Pinot Noir**, **Gamay**
* [S] **Cabernet Franc**, **Pineau d'Aunis**
87
Where is **Cheverny AOC** located?
These vineyards are scattered among wooded areas and nestled between the *Beuvron*, *Cosson* & *Bievre* rivers and their tributaries.
As a result, this area is slightly drier and warmer than most of **Touraine** because the trees block cold winds and the rivers moderate temperatures.
88
What styles of wine are produced in **Cheverny AOC**?
* Dry White
* Rose
* Red
89
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cheverny AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**
* [S] **Chardonnay**, **Orbois**, **Chenin Blanc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Sauvignon Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Pinot Noir**
* [S] **Cot**, **Gamay**
90
What percentage of vineyards in **Cheverny AOC** are organic?
* 25% are farmed organically
* 32% have achieved Terra Vitis certification
91
What is the legend behind the **Romorantin** grape variety?
King Francois I ordered the planting of his favourite Bourgogne grape in the village of Romorantin. The grape later assumed the name of the village.
92
Where is **Cour-Cheverny AOC** located?
This appellation lies entirely within the boundaries of **Cheverny**.
93
What styles of wine are produced in **Cour-Cheverny AOC**?
* *Dry White*
* *Semi-Sweet White*: 2-4.5% (20-45g/l) RS
* *Sweet White*: EU RS levels apply
Production is mostly dry, although sweeter styles are allowed.
94
Which grape variety is permitted in **Cour-Cheverny AOC**?
[P] **Romorantin**
95
What are the characteristics of **Cour-Cheverny AOC** wine?
Taste of citrus, flowers and peach. Often compared to Chardonnay.
96
Where is **Orleans AOC** located?
The vineyards surround the town of the same name.
The zone of production encompasses both banks of the *Loire River*, but few vineyards are planted on the *right bank*.
97
What soil types are found in **Orleans AOC**?
* Left bank: *sandy*, *pebbly alluvium*
98
What styles of wine are produced in **Orleans AOC**?
* *Dry White*: mostly **Chardonnay** with **Pinot Gris** as an occasional blending partner
* *Rose*: largely from **Meunier**, **Pinot Noir** as optional blending partner
* *Red*: largely from **Meunier**, **Pinot Noir** as optional blending partner
99
Where is **Orleans-Clery AOC** located?
This appellation lies within the **Orleans AOC** and possesses the same soils: *sandy*, *pebbly alluvium*.
100
What style of wine is produced in **Orleans-Clery AOC**?
*Red* only, from **Cabernet Franc**.
101
Name the **3** appellations flanking the *Loir river*, north of *Tours*.
* Coteaux du Vendomois AOC
* Coteaux du Loir AOC
* Jasnieres AOC
These **AOC**s are 31mi/50km due north of *Tours*. They focus on **Chenin Blanc** for their high-acid wines.
102
Where is Coteaux du Vendomois AOC located?
These vineyards flank both sides of the *Loir*.
Its many tributaries merge perpendicularly into this river, creating temperature-moderating wind tunnels in the resulting valleys.
103
What soil types are found in Coteaux du Vendomois AOC?
* *Turonian sands*
* *Flinty-clays*
104
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux du Vendomois AOC?
* *Dry White*: must be labeled *Sec* if less than 0.8% (8g/l) R.S.; crafted from **Chenin Blanc**, sometimes blended with **Chardonnay**
* *Rose*: often labeled *gris*; made exclusively with **Pineau d'Aunis** via direct press
* *Red*: blends based on **Pineau d'Aunis**
* *Semi-Sweet White* : EU levels apply
* *Sweet White*: EU levels apply
Secondary red grapes:
* Pinot Noir
* Cabernet Franc
* Gamay
105
Where are the vineyards of Coteaux du Loir AOC located?
On the steep slopes of the river valleys of the Loir and its tributaries are on the edges of the plateau that these rivers carved out.
Both the rivers and a nearby forest keep the vineyards warm and protected.
106
What soil types are found in Coteaux du Loir AOC?
* *Clays*
* *Sands*
* *Gravels*
* *Chalk* sub-soil
107
How is it that Coteaux du Loir has lost vineyard acreage since earning AOC status?
* Only half the vineyards produce wine intended for the AOC
* Many vineyard exist for home winemakers
108
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux du Loir AOC?
* *Dry White*: crafted from **Chenin Blanc** (must be labeled *Sec* if less than 0.8% (8g/l) R.S)
* *Rose*: Blends based on **Pineau d'Aunis** (must be labeled *Sec* if less than 0.8% (8g/l) R.S)
* *Red*: Blends based on **Pineau d'Aunis**
* *Semi-Sweet White*: crafted from **Chenin Blanc** (EU RS levels apply)
* *Sweet White*: crafted from **Chenin Blanc** (EU RS levels apply)
Secondary red grapes:
* Cabernet Franc
* Cot
* Gamay
* Grolleau
109
Which appellation is sometimes referred to as the "Savennieres" of **Touraine**?
Jasnieres AOC
This is the smallest of the Loir Valley AOCs.
110
Where are the vineyards of Jasnieres AOC planted?
On south-facing slopes.
A forest blocks cold north winds, while an east wind serves to dry out the vine canopy and mitigate the threat of mildew.
111
What styles of wine are produced in Jasnieres AOC?
* *Dry White*: must be labeled *Sec* if less than 0.8% (8g/l) R.S.
* *Semi-Sweet White*: (EU R.S. levels apply)
* *Sweet White*: (EU R.S. levels apply)
All wines are made from **Chenin Blan**c.
Sweet wines are only made in the best vintages, with or without botrytis.
112
Which **2** appellations cover all of the **Middle Loire** (**Anjou-Saumur** & **Touraine**)?
* **Cremant de Loire AOC**
* **Rose de Loire AOC**
113
What styles of wine are produced under the **Cremant de Loire AOC**?
* Sparkling White
* Sparkling Rose
Wines can be vintage or non-vintage.
114
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cremant de Loire AOC**?
*White*:
* [P] **Chardonnay**, **Chenin Blanc**, **Orbois**
*Rose*/*Gris*:
* [P] **Grolleau Gris**
*Red*:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Grolleau**, **Pineau d'Aunis**, **Pinot Noir**.
These wines are typically made with **Chenin Blanc**, **Cabernet Franc** and/or **Chardonnay**.
115
What percentage of **Cremant de Loire AOC** wines are produced by large *cremant* houses?
80%
116
How large is the wine production of the **Rose de Loire AOC**?
Even though the zone of production is large, this **AOC** has the smallest production of the **3** *roses* authorized in **Anjou**.
117
Which grape varieties are permitted for **Rose de Loire AOC**?
*Rose/Gris*:
* [P] **Grolleau Gris**
*Red*:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Gamay**, **Grolleau**, **Pineau d'Aunis**, **Pinot Noir**
There is no blending formula or mandated production method.
Wine must be vinified dry.
