Loire Valley

Question 1

Climate

Answer 1

Cool. Central vineyard have continental climate. Nantais have a maritime. Anjour are slightly warmer and drier. Touraine have a cooler wetter climate

Question 2

Soil

Answer 2

Anjou: warm stony soil
Touraine: Clay soil
Central vineyard: chalky, well drained soil

Question 3

Black grapes

Answer 3

Cabernet Franc. Flowers and ripe early

Question 4

White grapes

Answer 4

Sauvignon Blanc: Touraine and Central Vineyard
Chenin blanc: Touraine and Anjou
Melon Blanc: Nantais

Question 5

Style Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine and Central Vineyard

Answer 5

Dry, high acid, apple and wet stone

Question 6

Style Chenin blanc, Touraine and Anjou

Answer 6

High acid, non-aromatic, green flavours. Dry or sparkling wine. Dry wines can have a steely, smoky character. Sweet can have flavours from noble rot.
Age well

Question 7

Style Melon Blanc, Nantais

Answer 7

Ripe early, frost resistant. (Muscadet or Melon de Bourgogne) Dry, medium alcohol (max permitted is 12%abv) fremented in large oak vessels. high acid, light body and green flavours. Should be drunk young.

Question 8

Style Cabernet Franc, Touraine

Answer 8

Style from light and fruity to fuller-bodied, more tannin. Some mature in oak.

Question 9

Winemaking

Answer 9

Vary. Some use oak, some use tanks

Question 10

Quality

Answer 10

Vary from cheaper wines to high quality.