Loire Valley Flashcards

1
Q

What are the four sub-regions of the Loire Valley?

A
  • Nantais
  • Anjou-Saumur
  • Touraine
  • Central Vineyards
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2
Q

Where is the production of Rosé de Loire and Crémant de Loire focused?

A

Anjour-Saumur

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3
Q

What are the climates of the sub-regions of the Loire Valley?

A

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
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4
Q

What are some of the climactic challenges in the Loire Valley?

A
  • 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
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5
Q

Describe the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Central Vineyards and Touraine

A
  • High acid
  • Hints of green apples and wet stone
  • In Pouilly-Fumé: subtle smoky notes
  • Generally, no pronounced flavors of oak or MLF
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6
Q

What distinguishes the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?

A

Very chalky, well-drained stony soils.

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7
Q

Where does a majority of Sauvignon Blanc come from in the Loire Valley?

A

Touraine

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8
Q

Describe the characteristics of Chenin Blanc

A

High acid, non-aromatic grape that can be dry, sweet, still or sparkling

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9
Q

Describe the white wines of Vouvray

A
  • Light to medium body

- Fresh fruity and floral notes

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10
Q

Describe the wines of Saumur and Anjou

A
  • Very similar climates and soils.
  • Saumur is known for sparkling, traditional-method Chenin
  • Anjou known for dry wines matured in oak
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11
Q

Where is the Savennieres appellation located and what is it known for?

A

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.

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12
Q

Where is the Coteaux de Layon appellation located and what is it known for?

A

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.

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13
Q

What is Melon Blanc and where is it grown?

A
  • Melon Blanc is an early ripening, frost-resistant grape

- It is grown in the Muscadet region of the Nantais

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14
Q

What is the most highly regarded appellation in the Nantais?

A

Muscadet Sevre et Maine

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15
Q

What is the maximum ABV permitted in Muscadet?

A

12% ABV

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16
Q

What is Muscadet (Sevre et Maine) Sur Lie?

A

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.

17
Q

What are the two styles of Cabernet Franc made in Chinon and Bourgueil?

A
  1. Light and fruity wines for early drinking from sandy soils
  2. Fuller-bodied, more tannic versions from south-facing slopes on limestone clay soils
18
Q

How does Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny differ from its counterpart made in Touraine?

A
  • Lighter in body and tannin

- Display juicy berry fruit and floral notes

19
Q

What is the second-most planted red grape in the Loire Valley?

A

Gamay

20
Q

Where can Rosé de Loire be produced?

A

Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, but the majority comes from Anjou-Saumur.

21
Q

Describe the characteristics of Rosé de Loire

A
  • Always dry

- Minimum 30% Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon

22
Q

What is Cabernet d’Anjou?

A

Medium-sweet wine made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

23
Q

What is Rosé d’Anjou?

A

A less-sweet wine made predominantly of Grolleau blended with Cabernet Franc and other local varietals.

24
Q

What grape is used in the production of Sancerre rosé?

A

Pinot Noir