Loire Valley

Question 1

What are the four sub-regions of the Loire Valley?

Answer 1

Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine and Central Vineyards

Question 2

Describe the climate of the Loire Valley

Answer 2

Cool maritime to continental moving West to East, however, Anjou with the Mauges Hills and warm stony soils in more moderate than Touraine, with its cool, clay soils. Loire River moderates, reflecting light and retaining heat and the best vineyard face it.

Question 3

What are the primary grapes of the Loire Valley?

Answer 3

Nantais - Melon de Bourgogne
Anjou-Saumur - Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc
Touraine - Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc
Central Vineyards - Sauvignon Blanc, also Pinot Noir

Question 4

What are the two most important appellation for Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 4

Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume in Central Vineyards; also Menetou-Salon

Question 5

What can winemakers do to preserve the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 5

Use stainless steel or large, old oak for fermentation, MLC sometimes used in cooler vintages to soften acidity

Question 6

What styles is Chenin Blanc produced in in the regions of Vouvray, Saumur, Anjou, Savennieres, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux?

Answer 6

Vouvray = still and sparkling, dry to luscious
Saumur = sparkling
Anjou = dry, sometimes oaked
Savennieres = dry, full bodied + some late harvest
Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux = very high quality sweet

Question 7

What is the maximum ABV allowed in the Muscadet appellations?

Answer 7

12%

Question 8

What are three renowned appellations in the Loire for Cabernet Franc?

Answer 8

Chinon (Touraine) - tannic
Borgueil (Toraine) - tannic
Saumur-Chapigny (Saumur) - lighter

Question 9

What are the key rose appellations in the Loire from driest to sweetest?

Answer 9

Rose de Loire (dry, Cab Franc-based blend from Anjou-Saumur)
Rose d’Anjou (off-dry, with Grolleau)
Cabernet d’Anjou (medium-sweet, high quality, Sauv and Franc)