Loire Valley Flashcards
What is the geographical latitude of the Loire Valley?
47ºN
How long is the Loire River?
400 km
What is the length of the Loire Valley?
280 km
What is the growing degree days (GDD) for the Loire Valley?
1300 GDD
What are the main 5grape varieties in the Pay Nantais?
- Melon
- Chardonnay
- Gamay
- Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)
- Cabernet Franc
What is the climate like in the Loire Valley?
Cool maritime climate with cool springs and warm humid summers
What is a significant climatic risk during the growing season in the Loire Valley?
Threat of rain, especially at flowering and harvest time
What is the only permitted variety for the Muscadet appellations?
Melon
What is the characteristic of Muscadet wines?
High acidity, light body, low-medium alcohol, low aromatic intensity
What does ‘Sur Lie’ refer to in Muscadet production?
Wines aged on their lees to add body and complexity
When must Muscadet AOP not be on lees?
After July 31st
What is the maximum yield for Muscadet AOP?
70 hl/ha
What is a consequence of the 1991 frost in the Loire Valley?
Production dropped by 2/3rds, affecting exports to the UK
Which grape variety is most planted in Anjou-Saumur?
Cabernet Franc
What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
- Early budding
- Prone to powdery mildew and botrytis
- Ripens late
- Can be made in a range of styles
What is the maximum yield for Anjou AOC red and white wines?
60 hl/ha
What distinguishes Coteaux du Layon AOC?
Specializes in botrytised Chenin Blanc
What is the maximum yield for Bonnezeaux AOP?
25 hl/ha
What is Quarts de Chaume known for?
First Grand Cru in the Loire Valley (2019)
What is the typical assemblage of Saumur Champigny?
At least 85% Cabernet Franc
What is the primary grape for the Rosé de Loire?
Grolleau
What is the maximum yield for Rosé d’Anjou?
65 hl/ha
What is the main white variety in Touraine?
Sauvignon Blanc
What are the 5 subzones of Touraine?
- Azay le Rideau
- Amboise
- Cheonceaux
- Oisly
- Mesland
What is the maximum yield for Touraine Blanc?
65 hl/ha
What is the winemaking approach for Chenin Blanc?
Fermented at cool to mid-range temperatures to preserve fruit character
What type of fermentation is preferred for Cabernet Franc?
Wild yeast fermentation
What is a common method for producing Loire rosés?
Direct press or short maceration
What are the 5 main grape varieties used in Touraine?
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grolleau Noir
- Gamay
- Cot
What is the maximum yield for Touraine Amboise?
55 hl/ha
What is the minimum percentage of Chenin Blanc required for Vouvray AOC?
95%
What is the maximum yield for Vouvray AOC?
52 hl/ha
What types of Vouvray wines are produced?
- Dry
- Demi-sec
- Sweet
How does the soil composition affect ripeness in Vouvray?
Further from the river, clay increases, creating cooler soils and inhibiting ripeness
What are the three important red wine appellations in Touraine?
- Bourgueil
- Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil
- Chinon
What grape varieties are primarily used in Bourgueil?
- Cabernet Franc
- Up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Which Touraine appellation is known for making the lightest style of red wine?
Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil
What distinguishes Chinon’s red wines?
Range from light and fruity to structured and powerful styles
What soil types are common in all three Touraine appellations?
- Sand
- Gravel
- Clay-limestone
Which region produces around twice as much wine as Touraine?
Anjou-Saumur
What is the key grape variety in the Central Vineyards?
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the typical climate of the Central Vineyards?
Continental with cold winters and warm summers
What are the risks to vineyards in the Central Vineyards?
- Frosts
- Summer hail storms
What are the common flavor profiles of Sauvignon Blanc?
- Grass
- Bell pepper
- Asparagus
- Gooseberry
- Grapefruit
- Wet stones
- Passionfruit
What is the typical color and flavor profile of Pinot Noir in Central Vineyards?
Typically ruby in color, light to medium raspberry and strawberry fruit, high acidity
What is the maximum yield for Sancerre whites?
65 hl/ha
What are the notable soil types in Sancerre?
- Cailottes
- Terres blanche
- Silex
What is unique about Pouilly Fumé compared to Sancerre?
Pouilly Fumé is on flatter land and is more prone to frost damage
What types of wines does Reuilly AOC produce?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Rosé from Pinot Gris
What percentage of wine is sold by negociants in the Loire?
50%
Which channel is the largest for Loire wines?
Specialist wine retail and hospitality
Who is a well-known advocate of organic and biodynamic production in the Loire Valley?
Nicolas Joly
What is the total production of certified organic wine in the Loire Valley compared to the French average?
Below the French average
