Loire: Appellations Part 2 Flashcards
Which sub-region is the largest producer of sparkling wines in the Loire?
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
Name the appellations of Saumur.
- 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%
What styles of wine are produced in Saumur AOC?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
- Sparkling White
- Sparkling Rose
Which grape varieties are permitted in Saumur AOC?
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
What area does the Saumur AOC cover?
This appellation largely covers the Saumur region.
However, Saumur AOC mousseux incorporates some areas of Anjou.
What is Saumur mousseaux ofter referred to as?
Saumur Brut
Which grape varieties are used in the sparkling wines of Saumur AOC?
- White Sparkling: Chenin Blanc is primary
- Rose Sparkling: Cabernet Franc is primary
- all other authorised varieties can complement in the blend
How long are sparkling wines from Saumur AOC required to rest sur lie?
min. 9 months
Which grapes go into Saumur AOC white wines?
100% Chenin Blanc
Which grapes go into Saumur AOC red wines?
- primarily Cabernet Franc
- optional additions of:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pineau d’Aunis
Which grapes go into Saumur AOC rose wines?
A combination of:
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon
Stylistically dry.
These wines were formerly Cabernet de Saumur.
How many DGCs are there in Saumur AOC?
One
Puy-Notre-Dame:
* Crafted from Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon is the authorized blending partner
Which is the most important red appellation in the Anjou-Saumur region?
Saumur-Champigny AOC
What area does the Saumur-Champigny AOC cover?
This small zone is comprised of 8 villages near the town of Saumur, situated on the left bank of the Loire River.
Where does Saumur-Champigny AOC get its name?
“Champigny” is believed to have been derived from the Latin campus igni meaning “field of fire” because of the area’s warm mesoclimate.
What style(s) of wine are produced in Saumur-Champigny AOC?
Red
Which grape varieties are permitted for Saumur-Champigny AOC?
Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon
* [S] Pineau d’Aunis
What soil type is found in Saumur-Champigny AOC and how does it influence the wines?
Tuffeau soils give elegance, soft tannins and freshness to the wines.
Where is the Coteaux de Saumur AOC located?
This appellation covers a large area south of the town of Saumur, but the area under vine is quite small.
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux de Saumur AOC?
- 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.
Which grape variety(s) are used to produce Coteaux de Saumur AOC wines?
White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
This area has been planted to this variety since the Middle Ages.
How are grapes harvested in Coteaux de Saumur AOC?
Hand harvest is mandatory (sweet wines).
Where is Haut-Poitou AOC located?
Southeast of Saumur. The vineyards are situated north of the city of Poitiers.
Which region is the Haut-Poitou AOC connected to?
- Administratively connected to the region where Cognac is made
- Viticulturally connected to the Loire
What is the climate in Haut-Poitou AOC?
Decidedly continental
* Hils block any maritime influence coming from the west.
Where are the vineyards planted in Haut-Poitou AOC?
On an elevated plateau, facing south.
What styles of wine are produced in Haut-Poitou AOC?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
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
What are the soil types in Haut-Poitou AOC?
- Sands
- Chalky-clays
- Flint-rich sandy clays
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
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
What is the climate in Touraine?
It transitions from maritime to semi-continental (west to east).
What is a common climatic threat to the vines in Touraine?
Spring frosts are common.
Name the 4 main types of soils in Touraine.
- Tuffeau: widespread from western Touraine to Vouvray.
- Clay & Limestone (aubuis): on hillsides/
- Sedimentary deposits such as sands and gravels: near rivers and river terraces.
- Flinty-clay (argiles a silex; also called perruches): found in Vouvray, Montlouis and eastern Touraine.
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
Name the rose/gris grapes of Touraine.
- Grolleau Gris
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Gris
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
How much area does Touraine have under vine?
This large growing area has more than 40,000ac/16,000ha under vine.
What percentage of wine production in Touraine is red, white, sparkling or rose?
- > 50% Red wine
- 27% White wine
- 17% Sparkling wine
- 5% Rose
Which appellation in Touraine is most important for fines bulles?
Vouvray
(Sparkling wine)
Name the appellations of Touraine.
- Touraine AOC (1939, Sparkling 1946): 39% of production
- Touraine Noble Joue AOC (2001)
- Bourgueil AOC (1937): 7%
- Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC (1937): 8%
- Chinon AOC (1937): 13%
- Vouvray AOC (1936): 22%
- Monlouis-sur-Loire AOC (1938): 3%
- Valencay AOC (2004)
- Cheverny AOC (1993): 5%
- Cour-Cheverny AOC (1993)
- Orleans AOC (2006)
- Orleans-Clery AOC (2006)
- Coteaux du Vendomois AOC (2001)
- Coteaux du Loir AOC (1948)
- Jasnieres AOC (1937)
Other: 3% of production
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.
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
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
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
How many DGCs are there in the Touraine AOC and what are they?
5
- Amboise
- Azay-le-Rideau
- Chenonceaux
- Mesland
- Oisly
Each has a different focus of style & grape variety.
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.
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.
Where does Touraine Noble Joue AOC get its name from?
From the city of Joue-les-Tours and from the “noble” grapes grown here.
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.
Which grape varieties are permitted in the Touraine Noble Joue AOC?
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Pinot Gris
Red:
* [P] Meunier
* [S] Pinot Noir
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
Name the Cabernet Franc-based appellations located in the western portion of the Touraine.
- Bourgueil AOC
- Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC
- Chinon AOC
These AOCs produce the most respected reds in all of the Loire Valley.
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.
Describe the topography of Bourgueil AOC.
The landscape consists of plains, hills and river terraces.
Vineyards face south to maximize warmth.
What styles of wine are produced in the Bourgueil AOC?
- Rose
- Red
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
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
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.
What soil types are found in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC?
Higher percentage of sandy gravels than Bourgueil.
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.
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
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.
Which appellation in the Loire Valley is the largest by volume?
Chinon AOC
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.
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)
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
Which appellation is Middle Loire’s largest producer of white AOC wine by volume?
Vouvray AOC
* Dry
* Off-dry and
* Sweet
Where is Vouvray AOC located?
On the right bank of the Loire River and central Touraine.
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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Vouvray AOC?
White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc: primary
* [S] Orbois: optional inclusion in small amounts
What percentage of wine production in Vouvray AOC is sparkling?
60% are mousseaux and petillant
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
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.
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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC?
Chenin Blanc only.
What soil types are found in Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC?
- Flinty-clays (perruches)
- Chalky-clays (aubuis)
- Sand & gravel
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)
Which wine style was approved for Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC production in 2017?
Petillant originel
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
Name the 5 appellations situated in the east end of the Touraine.
- Valencay AOC
- Cheverny AOC
- Cour-Cheverny AOC
- Orleans AOC
- Orleans-Clery AOC
Which appellation in Touraine shares its name with a famous semi-soft goat cheese?
Valencay AOC
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 AOCs of Quincy & Reuilly.
Surrounding forests protect the vines from cold winds.
What soil types are found in Valencay AOC?
- Chalk
- Perruches (Flinty-clays)
- Sandy gravels
What styles of wine are produced in Valencay AOC?
- Dry White: mostly Sauvignon Blanc
- Rose: blends based on Gamay
- Red: blends based on Gamay
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
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.
What styles of wine are produced in Cheverny AOC?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
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
What percentage of vineyards in Cheverny AOC are organic?
- 25% are farmed organically
- 32% have achieved Terra Vitis certification
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.
Where is Cour-Cheverny AOC located?
This appellation lies entirely within the boundaries of Cheverny.
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.
Which grape variety is permitted in Cour-Cheverny AOC?
[P] Romorantin
What are the characteristics of Cour-Cheverny AOC wine?
Taste of citrus, flowers and peach. Often compared to Chardonnay.
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.
What soil types are found in Orleans AOC?
- Left bank: sandy, pebbly alluvium
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
Where is Orleans-Clery AOC located?
This appellation lies within the Orleans AOC and possesses the same soils: sandy, pebbly alluvium.
What style of wine is produced in Orleans-Clery AOC?
Red only, from Cabernet Franc.
Name the 3 appellations flanking the Loir river, north of Tours.
- Coteaux du Vendomois AOC
- Coteaux du Loir AOC
- Jasnieres AOC
These AOCs are 31mi/50km due north of Tours. They focus on Chenin Blanc for their high-acid wines.
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.
What soil types are found in Coteaux du Vendomois AOC?
- Turonian sands
- Flinty-clays
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
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.
What soil types are found in Coteaux du Loir AOC?
- Clays
- Sands
- Gravels
- Chalk sub-soil
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
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
Which appellation is sometimes referred to as the “Savennieres” of Touraine?
Jasnieres AOC
This is the smallest of the Loir Valley AOCs.
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.
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 Blanc.
Sweet wines are only made in the best vintages, with or without botrytis.
Which 2 appellations cover all of the Middle Loire (Anjou-Saumur & Touraine)?
- Cremant de Loire AOC
- Rose de Loire AOC
What styles of wine are produced under the Cremant de Loire AOC?
- Sparkling White
- Sparkling Rose
Wines can be vintage or non-vintage.
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.
What percentage of Cremant de Loire AOC wines are produced by large cremant houses?
80%
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.
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.
