LOIRE VALLEY Flashcards
What are the four subregions of the Loire Valley from west to east
Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, Central Valley
What are the climate differences in the subregions of the Loire valley from west to east?
Nantais - Cool, maritime
Anjou - Cool, mixed
Touraine - Cool, mixed
Central - Cool, continental
What are the three white varietals of the Loire?
Melon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Where is Melon Blanc grown?
Nantais
What are the appellations in Nantais? (2)
Muscadet & Muscadet Sevre et maine
Explain the style of a Muscadet? What is the typical ABV?
dry, high acid, green fruit flavours. These wines are made at 12% ABV by law
What is the difference between Muscadet and Muscadet Sevre et Maine?
Muscadet is the wider appellation, while Muscadet Sevre et Maine is a smaller, more highly regarded appellation.
What are the growing characteristics of Melon Blanc
early ripen, frost resistant which is suitable for the cool maritime climate.
What are the main appellations of Central Valley (3)?
Pouilly Fume, Sancerre and Menetou Salon
What are the characteristics of a Sauvignon Blanc from Central Valley?
Dry, high acid, green fruit and wet stones or cut grass.
What are the differences between a Sancerre and Pouilly Fume?
Pouilly Fume is grown in more mineral driven, limestone soil and tends to have smoky qualities in addition.
What are 2 highly regarded villages in Sancerre?
Chavignol and Les Monts Damnes
What is the difference of a Sauv Bl. from Menetou Salon versus a Pouilly Fume or Sancerre?
Similar in style, but Sauvingon Blanc from Menetou Salon tends to be more moderately priced
Where does the majority of Sauvignon blanc come from in the Loire?
Touraine
What is a Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine labelled? What is the style?
a white touraine is labelled sauvignon de Touraine. Less concentration, made simple and fruity
Where is Chenin Blanc produced in the Loire (2)?
Anjou-Saumur, Touraine
Where is Sauvignon Blanc mainly produced in the Loire (2)?
Touraine and Central Valley
What is the biggest production area of sauvignon blanc in the Loire? What is the smallest?
Touraine is the largest, Central Valley is the smallest (more prestigious).
What are the charactersitics of Chenin Blanc?
High acid and non aromatic
What syles can Chenin Blanc be made in?
Dry, sweet, sparkling
What is Saumur renowned for?
Traditional Method Sparkling Chenin Blanc
What is Anjou known for?
Dry chenin blanc wines, sometimes matured in new oak
What is Coteaux du Layon known for?
Renowned sweet wines made from chenin blanc, sometimes due to noble rot.
What villages are known for sweet wines in the Loire?
Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeux
What does Savennieres produce?
Full-bodied Chenin Blanc
What are the appellations in Anjou-Saumur, west to east?
Savennieres, Coteaux du Layon, Anjou, Saumur, Saumur-Champigny
What is the main appellation in Touraine for Chenin Blanc? What is the style of wine there?
Vouvray, both still and sparkling, dry to sweet.
What are the 2 main reds grown in the Loire valley?
Cabernet Franc and Gamay
What are 4 popular AOCs in the Loire for Cabernet Franc?
Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Saumur-Champigny
Where is Gamay mainly planted in the Loire?
Touraine and Anjou
Where are small plantings of Pinot Noir found in the Loire?
Central Valley (closest to Burgundy)
What is Cabernet d’Anjou made from?
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
What is Rose de Loire made from? What is the style?
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Always dry
Where can Rose de Loire come from? (AOC)
Anjou-Saumur and Touraine
