Loire Valley Flashcards
What is France’s longest river?
The Loire river (1012km)
What are the regions in the Loire Valley from west to east?
Pays Nantais
Anjou-Saumur
Touraine
Centre Loire
Where does the Loire originate?
The Massif Central (near Mont Gerbier de Jonc)
Describe the soils of Sèvre et Maine
Mostly gneiss, granite and schist.
What are the four appellations for Muscadet in the Pays Nantais?
Muscadet AOP
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOP
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOP
Describe the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine wines
Muscadet: Very dry, slightly salty with firm acidity.
Sèvre et Maine wines specifically are lively and scented.
Describe Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire wines
Made inland around Arcenis, on schist or granite.
A little leaner than Sèvre et Maine
Describe Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu
Made on sandy, stony soils closest to the Atlantic.
More supple and riper than Sèvre et Maine
What is Muscadet’s traditional vinification in the Loire?
Bottled sur lie
Straight from the fermentation vat, unracked.
Therefore the lees deepen the flavour and texture, while sometimes leaving a prickle
What is a more modern approach to Muscadet vinification in the Loire?
To throw off the reputation for simplicity:
Harvest healthier and riper grapes
Extending lees-ageing
Ageing some of the best wines in oak or amphora
What were the first approved villages crus of Pays Nantais for Muscadet?
Clisson
Gorges
Le Pallet
In 2011.
What were the village crus of Pays Nantais for Muscadet introduced in 2019?
Château Thébaud
Goulaine
Monnières-Saint-Fiacre
Mouzillon-Tillières
What is the minimal sur lie ageing on the villages crus of Pays Nantais?
18 months minimum
What is another name for the Loire Valley?
Le Jardin de la France
What is Hermine d’Or?
An unofficial label term in Pays Nantais that promotes terroir and stresses ageability.
What three regions gained new AOP status in Pays Nantais in 2011?
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais (White)
Coteaux d’Ancenis (White, rosé & red)
Fiefs Vendéens (White, rosé & red)
What grape has to be used in Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOP?
Folle Blanche/ Gros Plant
What wines are produced in Coteaux d’Ancenis AOP?
White: Pinot Gris
Rosé & red: Gamay & Cab. Franc
Where is a Malvoisie wine from?
Coteaux d’Ancenis AOP, Loire
100% Pinot Gris
What wines are produced in Fiefs Vendéens AOP?
White: Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay
Rosé & red: Gamay & Pinot Noir
What are the main soils of Anjou?
Schist, slate, clay and limestone
Describe the climate of Anjou
Grapes don’t always ripen, so therefore sparkling wine in nearby Saumur is very important to earn money
What was the Loire’s first official Grand Cru?
Quarts de Chaume
Since 2010
Name Anjou’s “fine-wine” appellations
Coteaux de Layon (sweet)
- Quarts de Chaume
Bonnezeaux (sweet)
Coteaux de l’Aubance (sweet)
Savennières
- Roche aux Moines
- Coulée de Serrant
Name Anjou’s “basic” white appellations
Anjou Blanc
Name Anjou’s “basic” rosé appellations
Rosé d’Anjou
Rosé de Loire
Cabernet d’Anjou (off-dry)
Name Anjou’s red appellations
Anjou Rouge
Anjou-Villages
Anjou-Villages-Brissac
Cab. Franc with sometimes Cab. Sauv. in the best years
What is the unique soil of Savennières?
Blue schist with volcanic debris
Name two well regarded producers of Quarts du Chaume
Domaine des Baumard
Château Pierre-Bise
Name two well regarded producers of Savennières
Domaine des Baumard
Château Pierre-Bise
Name a well regarded producer of Bonnezeaux
Château des Fesles
Describe Saumur’s soils
White/sparkling: White (soft) tuffeau (porous limestone)
Red: Sand + tuffeau
What are the main varieties used for sparkling wine from Saumur?
Chenin Blanc
Chardonnay
Cabernet Franc
What producer is this label from?
Clos Rougeard
Saumur Champigny
What grapes may be used for Saumur Blanc?
Before 2016: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
After 2016: Chenin Blanc
What grapes may be used for Saumur Rouge?
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pineau d’Aunis
Describe Haut-Poitou
South of Chinon
New AOP in Saumur since 2011
White: Sauvignon Blanc & Gris
Rosé & red: Cabernet Franc
What are the sparkling wine AOPs in Saumur?
Saumur Brut
Crémant de Loire
Describe Saumur Brut
Traditional method
It tends to be less complex than Crémant de Loire
9 months sur lie requirement
What is Prestige de Loire?
An informal category of superior, vintage-dated Crémant de Loire.