Loire Valley

Question 1

What is Val de Loire?

Answer 1

light and simple wine

Question 2

Describe Melon Blanc

Answer 2

1. Muscat or Melon de Bourgogne
2. ripens early + frost-resistant with high acidity, light body and green fruit flavours

Question 3

What is Sur lie?

Answer 3

= on the lees
1. used on the label in Muscadet Severe er Maine AOC
2. improve flavour and aromatic profile
3. bottle in spring following the vintage

Question 4

Region with 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 4

1. Touraine AOC (simple)
2. Sancerre AOC (green apple&wet stones + high acidity)
3. Pouilly-Fume AOC (smoky notes)
4. Menetou-Salon AOC (same style with Sancerre Pouilly-Fume)
5. Chavignol (individual village)

Question 5

Region that 100% Chenin Blanc

Answer 5

Vouvray AOC

Question 6

2 regions with sweet Chenin Blanc

Answer 6

1. Vouvary AOC (100%)
2. Coteaux du Layon AOC (noble rot sweet wine)
   - Quarts de Chaume & Bonnezeaux = can only use Chenin Blanc as sweet wine

Question 7

2 regions with dry Chenin Blanc

Answer 7

1. Anjou AOC
2. Sauvennieres AOC

Question 8

Describe Chenin Blanc

Answer 8

1. non-aromatic grape + high acidity
2. all style, including sweet and sparkling
3. fresh apple to tropical fruit flavour
4. greater ripeness for dry = high alcohol
5. several passes through the vineyards may be necessary top ensure grapes are picked at a desired level = avoid herbaceous aroma

Question 9

Describe Cabernet Franc in Saumur-Champigny AOC

Answer 9

1. light in body + tannin
2. A fuller-bodied style is capable of further ageing.

Question 10

What can sandy soil be made in Saumur/Chinon/Bourgueil/Saint-Nicolas-Bourgueil?

Answer 10

light and fruity wine

Question 11

What can limestone and clay soil be made in Saumur/Chinon/Bourgueil/Saint-Nicolas-Bourgueil?

Answer 11

full-bodied, tannic version
south-facing slope

Question 12

Describe Rose de Loire

Answer 12

1. always dry and mainly produce in Anjou-Saumur
2. include Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 13

Describe Cabernet d’Anjou

Answer 13

1. medium dry or medium sweet
2. a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 14

Describe Rose d’Anjou

Answer 14

1. less sweet than Cabernet d’Anjou
2. blend of Grolleau, Cabernet Franc and other local varieties

Question 15

Which wine is always sweet?

Answer 15

Cabernet d’Anjou
blends with Grolleau

Question 16

Describe how noble rot grapes are developed.

Answer 16

1. grapes must be fully ripe
2. humid misty morning create fungus Botrytis cinerea.
3. must be follower by sunny dry afternoon
4. The fungus punctures the grape skin leaving tiny holes.
5. Sunny afternoon cause water to evaporate, concentrate acids, flavours and sugars
6. The fungus also generates its own unique flavours

Question 17

How may a grower prevent overly herbaceous aroma in Chenin Blanc

Answer 17

1. Chenin Blanc is common to reach different levels of ripeness within one bunch.
2. several passing the vineyard = pick the grapes at the desired level of ripeness