Loire Valley Flashcards
Learn the local geography, topography, and climate, along with major grapes and vinification methods for this iconic region.
Where does the Loire River originate, and what does it empty into?
Origin: Massif Central
Empties into: Atlantic Ocean
ICYMI: the Massif Central is an area in south-central France consisting of mountains and high-elevation plateaus.
TRUE or FALSE:
The Loire Valley has the same climate, soil, and grape varietals from end to end.
False
The Loire Valley is incredibly diverse, from soil to climate to grapes to styles.
What are the 4 regions of the Loire Valley from west to east?
- Pays Nantais
- Anjou-Saumur
- Touraine
- Central Vineyards
Pays Nantais is located:
- just north of Paris
- on the Atlantic Coast
- on the Pacific Coast
On the Atlantic Coast
What is the climate of Pays Nantais?
Cool, wet maritime (because it’s on the Atlantic Coast)
What are the soils of Pays Nantais?
Gravel + sand over schist + granite
What is the white grape of Pays Nantais?
Melon de Bourgogne
What style of wine does Melon de Bourgogne make in Pays Nantais?
Still, dry white wines
What are the 2 most important Muscadet appellations in Pays Nantais?
- Muscadet
- Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine AOP
What winemaking technique do winemakers use for Muscadet and Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine?
Why?
Lees aging
In the cool, wet maritime climate Melon de Bourgogne grapes struggle to ripen; aging wines sur lie adds complexity, richness, and flavor to an otherwise thin, mild wine.
Anjou-Saumur is located to the:
- east
- west
of Pays Nantais?
East
Remember: Pays Nantais is furthest west on the Atlantic coast.
What is the climate of Anjou-Saumur?
Maritime/continental and humid
More maritime in western part, becomes more continental in eastern part (as you move inland).
What are the white and red grapes of Anjou-Saumur?
White: Chenin Blanc
Red: Cabernet Franc
What are some traits to know about Chenin Blanc from Anjou-Saumur?
- prone to oxidation (develops nutty flavors)
- always has Med+ to High acidity
- versatile with foods due to its acidity
What are some traits to know about Cabernet Franc from Anjou-Saumur?
- medium body
- bright, underripe red fruit
- green bell pepper notes
Name 5 AOPs of Anjou-Saumur.
- Anjou-Villages AOP (dry red wine ONLY)
- Saumur AOP (red, white, sparkling)
- Savennières AOP (dry white wine ONLY)
- Bonnezeaux AOP (sweet white wine ONLY)
- Quarts-de-Chaume AOP (sweet white wine ONLY)
What is the one style of wine allowed to be made in Anjou-VIllages AOP?
Still, dry, red wine ONLY made from Cab Franc
What are the styles of wine allowed to be made in Saumur AOP?
- White
- Red
- Sparkling - and lots of it!