Loire Valley

Question 1

List the 5 main regions producing Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley, and describe the style of wine.

Answer 1

Vouvray: Still and sparkling, dry-sweet, light-med body, fresh fruit and floral

Saumur: Sparkling

Anjou: Dry, oaked

Savennieres: Late harvest, fully body, dry, complex

Coteaux du Layon: Renowned sweet wine

Question 2

List and describe the 3 main rose wines made in Anjou-Saumur.

Answer 2

Rose de Loire: Dry, min. 30% Cab Franc/Sauv

Rose de Anjou: Less sweet, primarily Grolleau grapes blended with Cab Franc

Rose d’Anjou: Medium sweet, blend of Cab Franc and Cab Sauv

Question 3

Describe the climate of the 4 sub-regions of the Loire Valley.

Answer 3

From West to East (i.e. ocean to inland)

Nantais: Cool maritime
Anjou-Saumur: Warm and dry, stony soil
Touraine: Cool and wet, clay soil
Central Vineyards: Cool continental

Anjou-Saumur and Touraine are opposite of what you might expect

Question 4

What are the main wines from the Nantais sub-region?

Answer 4

White - Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne)

Question 5

What are the main wines from the Anjou-Saumur sub-region?

Answer 5

Rose - 3 styles

White - Best are Chenin Blanc

Red - Cabernet Franc (Saumur-Champigny, Saumur)

Question 6

What are the main wines from the Touraine sub-region?

Answer 6

Rose - Variety of grapes, dry, fresh, fruity

White - Best are Chenin Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc are simply and fruity.

Red - Cabernet Franc (Chinon, Bourgueil)

Question 7

What are the main wines from the Central Vineyards sub-region?

Answer 7

White - Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Menetou-Salon)