Loire Valley Flashcards
what is the four sub regions of Loire?
Central vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, Nantais.
What appellation covers the whole Loire?
IGP Val de Loire
How is the climate in the Central Vineyards?
Continental
How is the climate at the Nantais region?
with its costal location, it has a maritime climate
Where is Sauvignon Blanc manly grown?
Central vineyards and Touraine.
What is the name of the most prestigious appellations for Sauvignon Blanc?
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
How are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé located?
On well-drained, stony, limestone-based soils
What is the character of Sancerre?
dry with high acidity, hints of green apple and wet stones
What is the character of Pouilly-Fumé?
Same as Sancerre but with a slightly hint of smokiness
How do you ferment Sauvignon Blanc in these regions?
1) temperatured controlled stainless steel vats
2) old oak vessels (on the lees to give it a broader texture)
3) few use new oak
How can you lower the acidity of the wines in cooler vintages?
Malolactic conversation
where does the majority of Sauvignon Blanc come from?
Touraine
what styles of Sauvignon Blanc are made in Touraine?
Less concentration and made in a simple fruity style
what character does Chenin blanc have?
high acid, non aromatic variety
what wines can be made from Chenin Blanc?
dry or sweet, still or sparkling
how are the flavours of a young dry Chenin Blanc?
1) fresh apple
2) tropical fruit
3) steely, smooky
How are the flavours from the sweet chenin blanc wine?
apricot and citrus peel flavours of noble rot.
Which aromas can Chenin Blanc develop from ageing?
honey, toast, hay
how are the soils and climate in vouvray and what impact does it give to the grapes?
1) cool climate, clay soils.
2) Light - medium body, fresh fruit and floral notes
what is samour known for?
Sparkling Chenin Blanc made by the traditional method
what is Anjou known for?
dry wines matured in new oak
what climate is it in Savenniéres and Coteaux du Loyn?
Relatively warm, dry climate
How can savenniéres produce a full bodied Chenin Blanc in a dry style?
Air cirkulation around the well exposed vineyards impedes (hindrar) the development of noble rot but enables late-harvested Chenin Blanc grapes
What is Coteaux du Layon most famous for?
worlds greatest sweet wines