Loire Valley

Question 1

Name the four regions that make up The Loire Valley. Describe their climates and soils.

Answer 1

Central Vineyards - continental climate, chalky well-drained soils
Touraine - wetter, clay soils
Anjou-Saumur - warmer, protected by the Mauges Hills, warm stony soils
Nantais - maritime climate

Question 2

What is the generic IGP for the region called?

Answer 2

Val de Loire

Question 3

Describe the kind of hazards the region faces due to its cooler climate.

Answer 3

The vintages may not be consistent and can be affected by the weather year on year
High rainfall leads to fungal diseases

Question 4

List the three most impotant white grape varieties in The Loire.

Answer 4

Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Melon Blanc (aka Muscadet

Question 5

Where is the majority of Sauvignon Blanc grown

Answer 5

Touraine - majority of production is here. Simple, crisp fruity style.

Central Vineyards - more prestigious : Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre; more moderately priced: Menetou-Salon

Question 6

Describe the style of Sauvignon Blanc most likely found in the Central Vineyards.

Answer 6

Gentle pneumatic pressing and temperature controlled vats make fresh, fruity wines
MLF is likely encouraged in cooler vintages in order to lower acidity levels
Some producers ferment/mature in oak
Some keep their wine on the lees
Some use new oak
Dry, high acidity, green fruit and wet stone notes as well as smoky notes in Pouilly-Fumé

Question 7

Describe the Chenin Blanc grape variety

Answer 7

1. High acid, non-aromatic variety
2. Peculiarity = even within one bunch it is common for grapes to reach different levels of ripeness (care must be taken during harvest)
3. Different styles = dry or sweet, still or sparkling
   Sparkling made from fruit that has not ripened too much and can only reach 10-11% abv
   Still is made from riper grapes
4. Flavours include = green apple or tropical fruit, apricot & citrus peel from noble rot
5. Dry and sweet can age for decades

Question 8

List the top regions for Chenin Blanc production. Describe wine style in each region.

Answer 8

1. Vouvray - still and sparkling; dry to lusciously sweet. Light/med body, fresh fruity and floral notes
2. Saumur - sparkling made using traditional method
3. Anjou - dry wines, often matured in oak
4. Savenierres - warmer, dryer climate than Touraine. Air circulation impedes the development of noble rot but allows for late harvest grapes. Full-bodied, dry, complex style. The best can evolve decades in bottle.
5. Coteaux de Layon - Sheltered valley of the River Layon where noble rot develops well. Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux have their own appellations and rank high in the world of sweet wines.

Question 9

Explain why Melon Blanc is well suited to a cold climate.

Answer 9

It ripens early
It is frost resistant

Question 10

In Nantais, name the appellation that covers the widest area and then name the appellation that is more highly regarded and has the most production of Melon Blanc. Describe the style of these wines.

Answer 10

Muscadet AC
Muscadet Sevre et Maine

Light body, medium alcohol (no more than 12% abv permitted), high acidity, subtle green fruit flavours