Loire Valley - Cremant, Saumur & Vouvray Mousseux Flashcards
What percentage of Loire Valley Wine production is sparkling?
13%
Where in the Loire Valley is production centred?
Saumur
Why is there a connection between Champagne and the Loire Valley
Major companies are owned by Champagne houses. Bouvet-Ladubay was owned by Taittinger for more than 40 years from the early 1970s. Graiten & Meyer is owned by Champagne Alfred Graiten. Langlois-Chateau is majority-owned by Bollinger
Cremant de Loire is 90% white, what is the key grape variety?
chenin blanc
typical tasting notes of a cremant de Loire
medium intensity apple and citrus, lightly toasty autolytic notes and high acidity. Wines with 2-3 years of age can develop honeyed aromas. Most wines are Brut in style, but Demi Sec is also made. Brut Nature is increasingly popular, with few wines at premium prices
Vineyard area for cremant de loire?
1600ha in 2012, 2600 ha by 2017
Where in the Loire Valley is fruit grown for cremant production?
Middle Loire districts of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine
Loire Valley climate for Cremant growing region?
Cool climate, which is provided by the Atlantic Ocean, reaching just east of Tours
Hazards for Cremant de Loire vineyards?
Fungal disease and untimely rain during flowering, fruit set and harvest can be an issue
Soil types in Loire Valley
clay-limestone, flint-clay, sand, gravel and tuff. More schist and limestone in Anjou and more chalk in Touraine
What rootstocks are used in Loire? Why?
Fercal and Riparia Glorie de Montpellier are common as the soils have a high lime content and the vines need protection from chlorosis
Grape varieties used in Cremant de Loire?
Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon (max. 30%) Grolleau Noir & Gris, Pineau d’Anuis (max. 30% including Cab Sauv), Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Which common Loire grape is not allowed in Cremant production?
Sauvignon Blanc - maximum 10% allowed in Saumur Mousseux
Yield for cremant de Loire? When must producers declare their vineyards?
74hl/ha. Winemakers must declare in July the vineyards that will produce cremant
What are the lees requirements of cremant de Loire?
9 months minimum, up to 24 months for more autolytic styles
Use of reserve wines?
Not common. Yes in some premium wines, same with oak fermentation and malo for base wines
Prestige de Loire
Launched in 2018, initiative of InterLoire. Applies across the Cremant de Loire, Anjour, Saumur and Vouvray appellations. White wines only, made from Chenin, Cab Franc, Chardy or Pinot Noir, single or blended. Minimum 24 months on lees, wines must be vintage dated and Brut style (inc. Brut Nature and Extra Brut). Producers must achieve a set of environmental standards, aiming at sustainable viticulture within five years.
Structure of the Cremant de Loire industry?
Divided between 19 merchant houses, 10 co-operatives and 400 producers. Nine large houses account for 80% of productions.
Key producers of Cremant de Loire?
Ackerman, Bouvet-Ladubay, Gratier & Meyer, Veuve-Amiot, Langlois-Chateau
How much cremant de Loire is exported? Who are the key markets?
50%, with key markets being Germany, UK and USA
Saumur Mousseux and Mousseux Rosé assemblage
Minimum 60% Chenin Blanc, max 10% Sauvignon Blanc.
Rosé minimum 60% Cabernet Franc, max 10% Sauvignon Blanc
Harvest techniques for Cremant de Loire, Saumur Mousseux and Vouvray Mousseux?
Cremant de Loire must be hand harvested.
Saumur & Vouvray Mousseux allow machine harvesting.
Vouvray Mousseux assemblage
Majority Chenin Blanc, Orbois also allowed as minority
Max yield for Vouvray and Saumur Mousseax production?
65 hl/ha Vouvray
67 hl/ha Saumur
