Loire Valley Flashcards
What are the four sub-regions of the Loire Valley?
- Nantais
- Anjou-Saumur
- Touraine
- Central Vineyards
Where is the production of Rosé de Loire and Crémant de Loire focused?
Anjour-Saumur
What are the climates of the sub-regions of the Loire Valley?
Overall, the climate is cool. But:
- Central Vineyards have a cool continental climate
- Nantais has maritime climate
- Anjou is slightly warmer and drier
- Touraine is cooler and wetter
What are some of the climactic challenges in the Loire Valley?
- Vintage variation because of large year-to-year changes in weather patterns
- Fungal disease pressure linked to high rainfall
- Grapes need ideal sites with southern-facing aspects to ripen fully in marginal climate
Describe the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Central Vineyards and Touraine
- High acid
- Hints of green apples and wet stone
- In Pouilly-Fumé: subtle smoky notes
- Generally, no pronounced flavors of oak or MLF
What distinguishes the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Very chalky, well-drained stony soils.
Where does a majority of Sauvignon Blanc come from in the Loire Valley?
Touraine
Describe the characteristics of Chenin Blanc
High acid, non-aromatic grape that can be dry, sweet, still or sparkling
Describe the white wines of Vouvray
- Light to medium body
- Fresh fruity and floral notes
Describe the wines of Saumur and Anjou
- Very similar climates and soils.
- Saumur is known for sparkling, traditional-method Chenin
- Anjou known for dry wines matured in oak
Where is the Savennieres appellation located and what is it known for?
It is just north of the river Loire, on the western edge of Anjou-Saumur. Full bodied, complex Chenin Blanc in a dry style. High air circulation through well-exposed vineyards in this appellation allows for late-harvested grapes.
Where is the Coteaux de Layon appellation located and what is it known for?
It is located in the sheltered valley of the River Layon, toward the west of Anjou-Saumur. It produces the most renowned sweet wines of the Loire from bortrytized Chenin Blanc. The two most favored sites are Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.
What is Melon Blanc and where is it grown?
- Melon Blanc is an early ripening, frost-resistant grape
- It is grown in the Muscadet region of the Nantais
What is the most highly regarded appellation in the Nantais?
Muscadet Sevre et Maine
What is the maximum ABV permitted in Muscadet?
12% ABV
What is Muscadet (Sevre et Maine) Sur Lie?
A speciality of Muscadet that is bottled in the spring after the harvest, allowing the wine to rest on the lees over the winter. The lees contact gives the wine a richer texture, although the wine is handled very little.
What are the two styles of Cabernet Franc made in Chinon and Bourgueil?
- Light and fruity wines for early drinking from sandy soils
- Fuller-bodied, more tannic versions from south-facing slopes on limestone clay soils
How does Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny differ from its counterpart made in Touraine?
- Lighter in body and tannin
- Display juicy berry fruit and floral notes
What is the second-most planted red grape in the Loire Valley?
Gamay
Where can Rosé de Loire be produced?
Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, but the majority comes from Anjou-Saumur.
Describe the characteristics of Rosé de Loire
- Always dry
- Minimum 30% Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon
What is Cabernet d’Anjou?
Medium-sweet wine made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is Rosé d’Anjou?
A less-sweet wine made predominantly of Grolleau blended with Cabernet Franc and other local varietals.
What grape is used in the production of Sancerre rosé?
Pinot Noir
