Loire Valley

Question 1

Sparkling wine accounts for what percentage of production in the Loire Valley?

Answer 1

13%

Question 2

True or False,

The production of Cremant de Loire is roughly equal to Sparkling Vouvray and Sparkling Saumur combined?

Answer 2

True!

Question 3

How much of Cremant de Loire is white?

Answer 3

90%

Question 4

What is the main variety for Cremant de Loire?

Answer 4

Chenin Blanc

Question 5

How has vineyard area changed for Cremant de Loire from 2012 to 2017? What is the average annual production for Cremant de Loire?

Answer 5

• It went from 1,600 ha in 2012, to 2,100 ha in 2017

- Average annual production is 112,000 hL (2,958,727 gallons)

Question 6

Fruit for Cremant de Loire is grown in what two regions in the Loire?

Answer 6

Anjou-Saumur and Touraine

Question 7

What is the main moderating influence on the Loire Valley?

Answer 7

The Atlantic Ocean. It extends it cool, mild influence past the center part of Touraine which covers most of the Cremant de Loire appellation.

Question 8

List the different soils found in both Touraine and Anjou-Saumur

Answer 8

• Clay-limestone
• Flint-clay
• Sand
• Gravel
• Tuff
• Schist
• Chalk

Question 9

True or False,

Soils in the Loire valley that have excessive clay are not classified within the appellation?

Answer 9

True! These soils would be to cold and lack good drainage and would not be suitable for grape growing

Question 10

What are the two rootstocks listed that help with lime tolerance and protect the vines from chlorosis?

Answer 10

• Fercal

- Riparia Glorie de Montpellier

Question 11

What is Chlorosis, and what causes it?

Answer 11

Chlorosis is caused by insufficient iron in soils that are high in calcium-carbonate (like limestone and chalk).

Chlorosis causes the grapevine leaves to turn yellow and halting photosynthesis, causing grapes to stop ripening.

Question 12

What grapes can be used in the production of Cremant de Loire?

Answer 12

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chardonnay
• Chenin Blanc (most common)
• Grolleau Gris
• Grolleau Noir
• Pineau d’Aunis
• Pinot Noir

Question 13

What is the most common type of press used in the Loire Valley to produce sparkling wine?

Answer 13

Pneumatic; this is because it produces a juice with a low level of phenolics

Question 14

What is the view on MLC in the production of Cremant de Loire?

Answer 14

Some producers will do full MLC, while others will do partial or avoid it all together.

Question 15

What is the minimum time on lees for Cremant de Loire?

Answer 15

9 months, up to 2 years

Question 16

What is Prestige de Loire?

Answer 16

A new top tier sparkling Loire category that was launch in 2018. It applies to Cremant de Loire, Anjou, Saumur and Vouvray appellations.

Question 17

What are the requirements for Prestige de Loire?

Answer 17

• White wines only
• Made from Chenin Blanc, Cab Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
• Minimum 24 months on the lees
• Must be vintage dated
• Can be Brut, Extra-Brut and Brut Nature
• Producers must also achieve a set of environmental standards as well

Question 18

What is the number of Merchants, Co-ops, and individual producers for Cremant de Loire?

Answer 18

• 19 Merchant houses
• 10 Co-ops
• 400 producers

Question 19

9 _____ account for ______ of the production of Cremant de Loire

Answer 19

9 Merchant Houses account for 80% of the production

Question 20

What are some of the important companies for the production of Cremant de Loire?

Answer 20

• Ackerman
• Bouvet-Ladubay
• Gratien & Meyer
• Veuve-Amoit
• Langlois-Chateau

Question 21

How much of all Loire Valley sparkling wines are sold in France?

Answer 21

50%

Question 22

What are the main export markets for Loire Valley sparkling wines?

Answer 22

• Germany
• USA
• UK