Loire Valley Flashcards
What is the longest river in France?
The Loire (629 miles)
Which French region produces the most white wine?
The Loire Valley
What are the 3 classic white varietals of the Loire?
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Melon de Bourgogne
What are the 5 secondary grapes of the Loire?
Chardonnay
Orbois (Arbois/Menu Pineau)
Romorantin
Gros Plant (Folle Blanche) Chasselas
What are the 7 red varietals of the Loire?
Cabernet Franc (Breton)
Pinot Noir
Gamay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec (Côt)
Pineau d’Aunis
Groslot (Grolleau)
What are the 4 major regions of the Loire Valley?
Pays Nantais
Anjou-Saumur
Touraine
Central Vineyards
What is the climate of Pays Nantais?
cool, wet maritime
What is the main grape of Pays Nantais?
Melon de Bourgogne
What are the 4 Melon appellations of Pays Nantais?
Muscadet
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlie
Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine
Which Muscadet appellation makes up 80% of production?
Sevre-et-Maine
What are the 4 main soils of Sevre-et-Maine?
gneiss
silica
clay
granite
What are the requirements for Muscadet Sur Lie aging?
must age on the lees over winter
be bottled directly off the fine lees unfiltered between March 1 and Nov 30 after harvest
What are the 3 main effects of sur lie aging?
adds complexity
richness
and slight effervescence
What are the 3 subzones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?
Clisson
Le Pallet
Gorges
What are the 3 newest appellations in Pays Nantais?
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais
Coteaux d’Ancenis
Fiefs Vendéens
Name 3 producers of Muscadet
Domaine de la Pépière
Pierre Luneau-Papin
Andre-Michel Bregeon
Where is the Loire’s center for sparkling wine production?
Saumur
What is Chenin Blanc known as is in Anjou?
Pineau de la Loire
What % of wine is rose in Anjou?
45%
What grape dominates rose blends in Anjou?
Grolleau
What is the best Chenin Blanc appellation in Anjou?
Savennières
What are the soils of Savennières?
Blue Schist
Volcanic debris
What are the two sub-appellations of Savennières?
Roche Aux Moines
Coulée de Serrant