Loire Valley Flashcards
Where does the Loire River originate, and what does it empty into?
Origin: Massif Central
Empties into: Atlantic Ocean
True or False:
The Loire Valley has the same climate, soil and grape varietals from end to end.
False.
What are the 4 regions of the Loire Valley from west to east?
- Pays Nantais
- Anjou-Saumur
- Touraine
- Central Vineyards
Pays Nantais is located:
North of Paris?
on the Atlantic Coast?
on the Pacific Coast?
Atlantic coast
What is the climate of Pays Nantais?
Cool, wet Maritime
What are the soils of Pays Nantais?
Gravel and sand over schist and granite
What is the white grape of Pays Nantais?
Melon de Bourgogne
What style of wine does Melon de Bougogne make in Pays Nantais?
Still, dry white wines
What are the 2 most important Muscadet appellations in Pays Nantais?
- Muscadet
- Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine AOP
What winemaking technique do winemakers use for Muscadet and Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?
Why?
Lees aging
In the cool climate, grapes struggle to ripen, aging wines sur lie adds complexity, richness and flavor to an otherwise thin, mild wine.
Anjou-Saumur is located to the _______ of Pays Nantais?
East
What is the climate of Anjou-Saumur?
Maritime/continental and humid
What are the white and red grapes of Anjou-Saumur?
White: Chenin Blanc
Red: Cab Franc
What are some traits to know about Chenin Blanc from Anjou-Saumur?
- prone to oxidation (deep nutty flavors)
*always has med+ to high acidity
*versatile with foods due to acidity
What are some traits to know about Cab Franc from Anjou-Saumur?
- medium body
*bright, underripe red fruit
- green bell pepper notes
Name 5 AOPs of Anjou-Saumur.
- Anjou-Villages AOP (dry red wine only)
- Saumur AOP (red, white, sparkling)
- Savennieres AOP (dry white only)
- Bonnezeaus AOP (sweet white only)
- Quarts-deChaume AOP (sweet white only)
What is the one style of wine allowed to be made in Anjou-Villages AOP?
Still, dry, red wine only made from Cab Franc
What are the styles of wine allowed to be made in Saumur AOP?
White
Red
Sparkling
What is the main grape that goes into Saumur AOP sparkling wines?
Chenin Blanc