Loire Valley Flashcards
Where does the Loire River start and end?
Originates center of country at Massif Central; ends in Atlantic Ocean.
True or False:
The Loire River is the longest river in France?
True (629 miles)
Name the four major sub-regions of the Loire Valley?
Where is Pays Nantais located?
Along the Atlantic Coast.
What is the Pays Nantais climate?
Cool and wet maritime; affected by proximity to Atlantic Ocean.
What is soil in Pay Nantais?
Gravel and sand over schist and granite.
What are the Pays Nantais grape varieties?
- Melon de Bourgogne
What is important about the aging of wines in Pays Nantais?
Sure Lie Aging
Define sur lie aging?
The technique of aging wines on the remains of post-fermentation yeast cells (or “lees”) to add complexity and richness to the finished wine.
How does sur lie aging impact a wine?
- Complexity and richness
- Aromas (yeast, bread dough, toast, white flowers, nuts)
What are the appellations in Pays Nantais?
- Muscadet AOP
- Muscadet-Sevre-Et-Maine AOP
Where is Anjou-Saumur located?
East of Pays Nantais, not far off of the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the Anjou-Saumur climate?
Maritime/continental (shifting as vineyard locations move inland); humid.
What are the Anjou-Saumur grape varieties?
- Chenin Blanc
- Cabernet Franc
List the five AOP’s of Anjou-Saumur?
Where is Touraine located?
East of Anjou-Saumur.
What is the climate in Touraine?
Contintental (less maritime since it is further inland).
What is the soil type in Touraine?
- Tuffeau (Soft Limestone)
What are the Touraine grape varieties?
- Chenin Blanc (sparkling, dry, off-dry, sweet)
- Cabernet Franc (dry)
List the three AOP’s of Touraine?
What does Moelleux mean and what does it refer to?
Sweet, soft, tender, smooth, mellow; sweet wines
Where is the Central Vineyards located?
Center of France; furthest east in the Loire Valley.
What is the climate in the Central Vineyards?
Continental
What is the soil type in the Central Vineyards?
- Silex (flint)
- Limestone
- Kimmeridgian Clay
What are the Central Vineyards grape varieties?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
List the AOP’s in the Central Vineyards of Loire Valley.
Pouilly-Fume AOP - location re: Loire River?
Eastern bank
Pouilly-Fume AOP - grape varieties and wine styles?
100% Sauvignon Blanc; dry
Sancerre AOP - location re: Loire River?
West bank
