Loire Valley Flashcards

1
Q

Is the Loire river the longest river in France?

A

Yes

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2
Q

What is the Loire Valley known as?

A

Jardin de la France

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3
Q

What are the main wine regions of the Loire Valley from West to East?

A

Pays Nantais
Anjou- Saumur
Touraine
Central Vineyards

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4
Q

Winemaking in the Loire dates to at least…..

A

the first century CE

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5
Q

conclusive evidence of the grape’s presence in the Loire Valley does not arrive until the….

A

16th century

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6
Q

When did phylloxera hit the Loire Valley?

A

1880’s

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7
Q

True or False: The Loire Valley produces more white wine than any other French region and is second only to Champagne in sparkling wine production.

A

True

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8
Q

What the classic white varietals for the Loire Valley?

A

Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Melon de Bourgogne

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9
Q

What international white grapes can be found throughout the valley?

A
Chardonnay
Orbois (Arbois/Menu Pineau)
Romorantin
Gros Plant (Folle Blanche)
Chasselas
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10
Q

What is Cabernet Franc locally known as?

A

Breton

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11
Q

What are the main red grapes of the Loire Valley?

A
Cabernet Franc (Breton)
Pinot Noir
Gamay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec (Côt)
Pineau d’Aunis
Groslot (Grolleau)
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12
Q

Where are the Pays Nantais vineyards?

A

The vineyards of the Pays Nantais sweep from the south toward the northeast of the city of Nantes near the Atlantic coast.

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13
Q

What is Pays Nantais known for?

A

Muscadet

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14
Q

What is the climate of Pays Nantais?

A

a cool, wet maritime region planted primarily to the Melon de Bourgogne grape.

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15
Q

What is the main grape of Pays Nantais?

A

Melon de Bourgogne

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16
Q

Today, four appellations exist for Melon de Bourgogne. What are they?

A

Muscadet AOP

West to East
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOP
Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine AOP
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP

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17
Q

At what abv does Muscadet show best at?

A

12% or under

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18
Q

What is the basic appellation for Melon de Bourgogne?

A

Muscadet AOP

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19
Q

Does the Muscadet AOP appellation get used often and why?

A

No because most producers qualify for the other 3 appellations

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20
Q

Which AOP accounts for over 80% of Muscadet produced?

A

Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine

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21
Q

How many communes are in the Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine AOP?

A

23 communes near the confluence of the Sèvre and Maine Rivers

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22
Q

What are the soil types of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine AOP?

A

gneiss, silica, clay, and granite

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23
Q

What one must do in order to label their Muscadet Sur lie?

A

In order to label Muscadet as sur lie, the wine must originate from land qualifying for one of the three sub-appellations.

Sur lie wines are aged on their lees over the winter and are bottled directly off the fine lees (without filtering) between March 1 and November 30 of the year following the harvest.

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24
Q

Where is Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP?

A

is further north, and the wines are correspondingly leaner.

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25
Q

Which AOP in Muscadet is the newest appellation and what year was it created?

A

Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOP

1994

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26
Q

What does “Hermine d’Or” mean?

A

an unofficial label term that promotes terroir and stresses ageability

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27
Q

Who has adopted the term “Hermine d’Or”?

A

Guy Bossard

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28
Q

When was the Cru Communaux designation?

A

proposed in 2001

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29
Q

What are the rules for the Cru Communaux designation?

A

requiring eligible wines from specified schist soils to spend a minimum 18 months sur lie—longer than the actual sur lie term allows.

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30
Q

When did the Cru Communaux actually start boring fruit and what was introduced?

A

2011

3 subzones were introduced

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31
Q

What are the 3 subzones of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine?

A

Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges

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32
Q

4 more subzones were added in 2019 to Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine. What are they?

A

Château Thébaud, Goulaine, Monnières-Saint-Fiacre, and Mouzillon-Tillières

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33
Q

What are the 7 total subzones of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine?

A

Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges. Château Thébaud, Goulaine, Monnières-Saint-Fiacre, and Mouzillon-Tillières

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34
Q

What tier was eliminated in 2011?

A

VDQS (Vin délimité de qualité supérieure)

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35
Q

Three new regions gained AOC status in 2011. What are they? Pays Nantais

A

Gros Plant du Pays Nantais - west coast
Coteaux d’Ancenis - inland east

Fiefs Vendéens - in the south

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36
Q

What are the 7 AOP’s of Pays Nantais?

A

Muscadet AOP - all over, not really used

West to East
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOP
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOP
Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine AOP
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP
Coteaux d'Ancenis AOP

Fiefs Vendéens AOP - in the south

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37
Q

What is the Loire’s largest region?

A

Anjou

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38
Q

Where is Anjou -Saumur located?

A

Between the Pays Nantais and Touraine

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39
Q

What is Saumur?

A

Saumur is an eastern subregion of Anjou, adjacent to Chinon in Touraine.

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40
Q

Saumur is the Loire’s center for what kind of wine?

A

sparkling wine production

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41
Q

What styles of Chenin Blanc are produced in the Anjou?

A

Sweet and Dry

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42
Q

45% of Anjous total production is devoted to what kind wine?

A

Rose

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43
Q

What is the main grape that is used in rose production in the Anjou?

A

Grolleau grapes

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44
Q

What is the main red grape of the Anjou?

A

Cabernet Franc

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45
Q

What wines was are made under the Anjou AOP label?

A

Sparkling
White
Red

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46
Q

True or False: Many Saumur wines may be bottled as Anjou AOP, but not vice versa.

A

True

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47
Q

Is Chenin Blanc slow or quick to ripen?

A

slow

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48
Q

What grape is used in Savennieres AOP?

A

100% Chenin Blanc

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49
Q

What style of wine is made in the Savennieres AOP?

A

100% Chenin blanc

generally dry, but sweet styles can be made

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50
Q

What is the soil type in Savennieres?

A

blue schist

volcanic debris

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51
Q

There are two sub-appellations in Savennieres that became AOC’s and when?

A

Roche Aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant

2011

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52
Q

Coulée de Serrant is a monopole and who is the producer of the monopole?

A

Nicolas Joly

rigidly biodynamic producer

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53
Q

What is the exposure of Savennieres?

A

southern exposure

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54
Q

What style of wine is Coteaux de Layon AOP and Coteaux de l’Aubance make?

A

chenin blanc, botrytis style sweet wine

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55
Q

How do the grapes need to be harvested for Coteaux du Layon AOP and Coteaux de l’Aubance AOP?

A

Harvesting in Tries

- multiple passes through the vineyards

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56
Q

What is the minimum residual sugar content for the wines of Coteaux du Layon AOP and Coteaux de l’Aubance AOP?

A

34 grams per liter

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57
Q

Which two AOP’s are within Coteaux du Layon?

A

Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts de Chaume AOP

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58
Q

What style of wine are Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts de Chaume AOP known for?

A

sweet wine

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59
Q

Whats the exposure of these two AOP’s?

Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts de Chaume AOP

A

south facing

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60
Q

Whats the soil type of Quarts de Chaume AOP?

A

sandstone and schist hillsides on the bank of the Layon river

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61
Q

Quarts de Chaume AOP lays on the bank of what river?

A

Layon river

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62
Q

Name some high quality producers who make wine from Quarts de Chaume AOP?

A

Domaine des Baumard and Château Pierre-Bise

63
Q

Where does Château des Fesles make wine?

A

Bonnezeaux

64
Q

What are the seven villages who re entitled to add their names to the basic Coteaux du Layon AOP?

A

Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Faye d’Anjou, St. Lambert du Lattay, St. Aubin de Luigné, Rablay-sur-Layon, and Chaume

65
Q

At a minimum (blank) of residual sugar, the wines of Chaume are exceptionally rich, yet vociferous complaints by the producers of Quarts du Chaume

A

80 grams per liter

66
Q

Anjou-Villages AOP is a (blank) only appellation.

A

red wine

67
Q

What are the main grapes of Anjou - Villages AOP?

A

Cabernert Franc

a little Cabernet Sauvignon

68
Q

What are the soil tyes of Anjou Noir and Anjou Blanc?

A

“Anjou Noir”: dark schist

“Anjou Blanc”: limestone

69
Q

What is the other red grape grown in the Anjou?

A

Gamay but it cannot be blended

70
Q

What style of wines does Saumur AOP make?

A

dry white
rose
red
sparkling wines

71
Q

Prior to 2016, Saumur Blanc permitted the addition of (Grape and Grape) but now requires 100% Chenin Blanc.

A

Sauvignon blanc and chardonnay

72
Q

What are the red grapes for Saumur AOP?

A

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pineau d’Aunis

73
Q

Rosé from the region was formerly designated as (Blank), but the appellation was incorporated into the Saumur AOP as of 2016.

A

Cabernet de Saumur AOP

74
Q

What does Mousseux mean?

A

Sparkling

75
Q

What are the requirements for Cremant de Loire?

A

Traditional Method Secondary Fermentation
The wines must spend a min. 9 months on the lees prior to dégorgement, and may not be released for a min. 12 months after the date of tirage
Min. 4 atmospheres of pressure

76
Q

What is the soil type of Saumur?

A

soft tuffeau limestone soils

77
Q

What style of wine is Saumur-Champigny?

A

a light, bright, and elegantly floral expression of Cabernet Franc

78
Q

What is the soil type in the commune of Champigny?

A

the limestone is harder, iron-rich, and inflected with shale

79
Q

What does Champigny mean?

A

The field of fire

80
Q

the Loire’s best and most ageworthy red wine has historically been produced in the two regions of (Region and Region).

A

Chinon and Bourgueil in Touraine.

81
Q

Which 3 AOP’s set the standard for classic cabernt franc?

A

Chinon AOP, Bourgueil AOP, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOP

82
Q

What are the 3 soil types in Chinon?

A
  • tuffeau
  • clay
  • varennes (sandy, alluvial)
83
Q

Where are the 3 soil types located in Chinon?

A

varennes soils are closest to the river Vienne—a Loire tributary—whereas tuffeau is more common on the slopes.

84
Q

What are the soil types of Bourgueil?

A

divided between sand and limestone

85
Q

Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil is situated almost wholly on (soil), with a corresponding lighter style of wine.

A

lighter alluvial soils

86
Q

Which of the three AOP’s offers some Chenin Blanc?

Bourgueil
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Chinon

A

Chinon

87
Q

Which is Touraine’s largest and most important white wine district?

A

Vouvray AOP

88
Q

What is the soil of Vouvray?

A

tuffeau limestone

89
Q

What are the grapes of Vouvray?

A

Chenin Blanc

the rustic Orbois grape is allowed but seldom encountered.

90
Q

What are the sweetness styles of Vouvray?

A
sec
sec-tendre (off-dry)
demi-sec
moelleux
liquoreux
91
Q

True or False: Vouvray producers may also choose to make a sparkling wine, a successful strategy in cooler years.

A

True

92
Q

The wines of (AOP), formerly part of Vouvray, are very similar in style and may be made across the same spectrum of styles.

A

Montlouis-sur-Loire AOP

93
Q

Which grape is not permitted in Montlouis-sur-Loire?

A

Orbois

94
Q

What do pétillant or mousseux mean?

A

pétillant - slightly sparkling

mousseux - sparkling

95
Q

What are the main white grapes of Touraine?

A

Chenin Blanc has dominated Touraine white wines, a more recent encépagement mandates Sauvignon Blanc and a maximum 20% Sauvignon Gris

96
Q

What are the main red grapes of Touraine?

A

Gamay, Groslot, Pineau d’Aunis, and Cabernet Franc.

97
Q

What does primeur mean in Touraine?

A

Its how the Gamay can be sold and if it sold like that it is in the nouveau style

98
Q

5 villages are allowed to add their name to the Touraine AOP. What are they?

A
Mesland
Azay-le-Rideau
Amboise
Oisly
Chenonceaux
99
Q

What style of wine does Touraine Noble-Joué AOP?

A

recreates a historical style of vin gris, a blend of Gris Meunier (Pinot Meunier), Malvoisie (Pinot Gris), and Pinot Noir.

100
Q

Where is the Coteaux du Loir AOP?

A

North of the Loire Valley

101
Q

What AOP is the Coteaux du Loir’s best white wines come from?

A

Jasnières AOP

102
Q

What AOP is Jasnières AOP similar to?

A

Vouvray AOP

103
Q

What rose does Coteaux du Vendômois AOP specialize in?

A

100% Pineau d’Aunis

104
Q

Where are Cheverny AOP and Cour-Cheverny AOP located?

A

eastern edge of Touraine

105
Q

To the south is Valençay AOP, a French appellation for both (blank and blank)

A

wines and goat milk cheeses.

106
Q

What are the main grapes of Valencay AOP?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Gamay
Pinot Noir
Cot

107
Q

Where are the Central Vineyards located?

A

The Loire’s Central Vineyards are a noncontiguous stretch of vineyards in the center of France, where the Loire curves from its northward path to bend toward the Atlantic.

108
Q

What is the climate of the Central Vineyards?

A

Continental

cold winters and brisk days during harvest

109
Q

What are the vitcultural threats to the Central Vineyards?

A

budbreak bring the danger of frost, and short summers do not assure easy ripening.

110
Q

What are the main grapes of the Central Vineyards?

A

Nonetheless, the Loire’s best Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are found here, and Pinot Noir, while light in style, can be exceptional in warmer vintages.

111
Q

The two main appellations of the Central Vineyars are?

A

Sancerre AOP

Pouilly-Fume AOP

112
Q

What is the main grape of Sancerre AOP and Pouilly-Fumé AOP?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

113
Q

What style of Sauvignon Blanc is made in the Central vineyards?

A

The two appellations straddle the river and provide the classic Loire style: steely, pungently herbaceous, mineral-laden Sauvignon Blanc made for youthful drinking. Vibrant but not lean, the best examples have subtle complexity and a focused, lengthy finish.

114
Q

What are the three soils of Sancerre AOP?

A

silex - has a higher proportion of flint, continuing into the communes of Pouilly-Fumé across the river.

terres blanches - Terres blanches is a continuation of the same Kimmeridgian clay that extends into Chablis

caillottes - is a stony soil, littered with fossils.

115
Q

The late (producer) famously appropriated the Silex moniker for his top Pouilly-Fumé bottling.

A

Didier Dagueneau

116
Q

Whereas classic Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines are produced in stainless steel, Dagueneau and others have experimented with new oak. The resulting wines can be more akin to white Bordeaux than classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc.

A
117
Q

True or False: Pouilly-Fumé AOP wines must be white

A

True

118
Q

Pinot Noir may be vinified as (blank)

A

Sancerre Rouge or Rosé

119
Q

The Pouilly-sur-Loire AOP, named after the central commune of Pouilly-Fumé, is reserved for whites produced from the (blank) grape.

A

Chasselas

120
Q

Orléans-Cléry AOP, a sister appellation, is reserved for red wines produced solely from (grape).

A

Cabernet Franc

121
Q

Several other wine regions surround the Loire closer to its source and have little in common with the other appellations. The red and rosé wines of Côtes du Forez AOP and Côte Roannaise AOP are exclusively produced from (grape).

A

Gamay

122
Q

In which region is the Muscadet AOP located?

A

Pays Nantais

123
Q

Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire are separated by the

(blank) river.

A

Loire

124
Q

What is the primary grape of Chinon?

A

Cabernet Franc

125
Q

True or False: Sancerre AOP may produce sparkling wine.

A

False

126
Q

True or False: The Loire Valley produces the most AOP white wine in France.

A

True

127
Q

What is the most common soil in Vouvray AOP?

A

Tuffeaux

128
Q

Which appellation is Didier Dageaneau located in?

A

Pouilly-Fume

129
Q

Which grape is used to produce Muscadet AOP?

A

Melon de Bourgogne

130
Q

The Loire Valley is ______ of Bordeaux.

A

North

131
Q

True or False: Sancerre may produce red wine.

A

True

132
Q

What process does sur lie refer to?

A

Aging

133
Q

Which term indicates a sweet wine?

A

Moulleux

134
Q

What is the IGP of the Loire Valley?

A

Val de Loire

135
Q
Which of the following AOPs does NOT produce white wine?
Muscadet
Vouvray
St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil  
Chinon
Coteaux de l'Aubance
A

St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

136
Q

The minimum amount of Cabernet Franc required in Saumur-Champigny is
(blank) %.

A

85%

137
Q

Breton is a synonym for which grape?

A

Cabernet Franc

138
Q

What is the red grape of Reuilly AOP?

A

Pinot Noir

139
Q

True or False: Vouvray may only be produced from 100% Chenin Blanc.

A

False

140
Q

Select the permitted wine style(s) in Coteaux d’Ancenis AOP.

A
Dry white
dry red
dry rose
sparkling
off dry white
141
Q
Which is NOT a geographical designation of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine?
Fiefs Vendéens  
Clisson  
Gorges
Le Pallet
A

Fiefs Vendéens

142
Q

What is the red grape of Menetou-Salon?

A

Pinot Noir

143
Q

Caillottes, Terres Blanches, and _____________ are 3 primary soils found in Sancerre.

A

Silex

144
Q

What is the grape of Jasnières AOP?

A

Chenin Blanc

145
Q

Which region is the Quincy AOP located in?

A

Central Vineyards

146
Q

What is the grape of Quincy AOP?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

147
Q

How would Vouvray with 35 g/l of residual sugar be labeled?

A

Moulleux

148
Q

What is the synonym in Pays Nantais for Gros Plant?

A

Folle Blanche

149
Q

The geographic designations of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine lie along the _____________ river.

A

Sevre

150
Q

What is the only permitted grape of Montlouis-sur-Loire AOP?

A

Chenin Blanc

151
Q

Where is Chavignol?

A

Famous hill in Sancerre where the best vineyards are

152
Q

Name a Lieu Dits of Chavignol?

A

Les Mont Damnes

153
Q

Name a famous producer who makes wine on Chavignol?

A

Francois Cotat