Loire Valley, N Rhone, S Rhone and S France Flashcards
Explain the style of Loire Valley wines?
No signature style, diverse region of white, red and rose wines
What are the four sub-regions of the Loire Valley?
Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur and Nantais
Regarding appellations, what is different about Loire Valley than most other french regions?
There is no regional generic appellation for the whole of Loire
What is the single IGP of Loire Valley?
Val De Loire
What does the Val De Loire cover?
The entire Loire Valley region
What is the style of the the IGP wines (Val De Loire)?
Fresh, light-bodied and fruity
Why are there such varied wine styles in Loire Valley?
Because each of the sub-regions have different climatic influences.
What is the overall climate of Loire Valley?
Cool Climate
What is the climate of each sub-region of Loire Valley?
Central Vineyards is continental, Nantais is maritime, Anjou is warmer and drier, Touraine is cooler and wetter
Do the vintages vary in Loire Valley and if so, Why?
Yes, because the Loire Valley vineyards grow at the Northernmost limit for grape production
What is one major climate hazard in Loire Valley?
Fungal disease linked to high level of rainfall
In cool climates (such as Loire Valley) where are the very best vineyards located?
Those that experience most warmth and sunshine, mid-slope with southerly aspect
Name an additional warming aspect in Loire Valley for grape growing?
Vineyards that face the Loire River receive extra heat and reflected light
What are the most important grape varietals grown in Loire Valley?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Melon Blanc
Where is the sauvignon blanc in Loire Valley mostly grown?
It is mostly grown in the Central Vineyards and Touraine region with Touraine having the majority
Although Central Vineyards has the smallest production of the sauvignon blanc in Loire, it also has the two premier appellations, what are they?
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume
In most cases are Sancerre and Poully-Fume suitable for ageing?
No
What are common winemaking techniques for Sauvignon Blanc in Loire Valley?
They vary widely. Some use oak, some do not, some use MLF, some do not
What is the soil like in the Central Vineyards?
Chalky, well-drained and stoney
What do the wines from Central Vineyards in Loire Valley tend to be like?
Dry, high-acid, hints of green apple and wet stones
Where is the majority of Sauvignon Blanc in Loire Valley grown?
The Touraine region
What are the wines made from Sauvignon Blanc in Touraine like?
Less concentration, simple, fruity style
What grape creates the great white wines of Touraine and Anjou-Saumur?
Chenin Blanc
What is an unusual natural factor in the vineyards of Touraine and Anjou-Saumur?
The Chenin Blanc grape bunches have grapes that ripen at different times causing challenges during harvest to avoid green herbaceous aromas and flavors
What is a human factor in the vineyard used to overcome the Chenin Blanc ripening challenges?
Several passes have to be made during harvest so that each bunch is picked at its desired ripeness level
What types of wines are made from Chenin Blanc?
dry, sweet, still or sparkling
Can Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley age?
Yes, both dry and sweet
Where are the four main areas that Chenin Blanc are grown in Loire Valley?
Vouvray, Saumur and Anjou, Savennieres and Coteaux du Layon
Characteristics of wines from Vouvray?
Cool climate and clay soils results in light-med body, fresh, fruity, floral, no oak
Characteristics of wines from Saumur and Anjou?
Cool climate and clay soils, but Saumur known for traditional method sparkling from Chenin and Anjou known for dry wines using oak
Characteristics of Savennieres and Coteaux du Layon?
Warm and dry climate results in med-full body, less floral,
What is Coteaux du Layon renowned for?
Best sweet wines of the region, noble rot develops well, just south of the Loire river
What are two other terms for Melon Blanc?
Muscadet and Melon de Bourgogne
Characteristics of Melon Blanc?
Ripens early and frost resistant, great for cool climate
Where is the majority of Melon Blanc grown in Loire?
Nantais region
What are the two sub-regions of Nantais?
Muscadet and Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Characteristics of Muscadet?
High acid, light body, subtle green fruit flavors and drunk young
What is special about the Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie?
spends the winter on its lees, and then handled little to retain freshness and delicateness
What are the two black grapes planted in the Loire?
Cab Franc and Gamay
Two regions in Touraine (Loire) where Cab Franc is grown?
Chinon and Bourgueil
Where are the rose wines most often grown in Loire Valley?
Anjou-Saumur
Describe the location of the vineyards in the N. Rhone?
Planted close to the River Rhone on steep slopes, the best with south-facing aspect
Why are many N. Rhone vineyards planted in lateral valleys that feed into the River Rhone?
The valleys protect the vines from the cold North winds known as the “mistral”
What is the climate of N. Rhone?
Moderate and Continental (cooler than S.Rhone)
What are two main grapes grown in N. Rhone?
Syrah and Viogner
What is the only black grape permitted in the N. Rhone?
Syrah
Where are the most prized sites in N. Rhone and why?
On the steep south-facing slopes. This is the the most northern latitude possible to grow Syrah and they have to contend with the Mistral winds
What are the characterisics of a N. Rhone Syrah?
deeply coloured, med-high tannins, black fruit, black pepper and floral aromas
Do the winemakers in N.Rhone use oak?
Some do, some use new, some use neutral
What are the characteristics of a N. Rhone Viogner?
full-bodied, perfumed aromas, blossom, apricots and stone fruits, low acid, high alcohol
What are the three white varieties grown in N. Rhone?
Viogner, Marsanne and Rousanne
What is the winemaking style for Rousanne and Marsanne in N. Rhone?
Usually blended together and can age well and develops complex hazelnut aromas
Name the 6 crus of the N.Rhone?
Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas
What does Cote Rotie mean?
Roasted Slope
Where is Cote Rotie located in N.Rhone?
The most Northern region
Describe the style of Cote Rotie wines?
Usually only red with small percent of Viogner, deep-colored, full-bodied, spicy, aromatic and floral freshness with elegance that distinguishing them from Hermitage
Describe the style of Condrieu wine?
White wine solely from Viogner grape grown from low yielding old vines on very steep slopes
Describe the style of Saint-Joseph wines?
Vast majority are red Syrah, best come from terraced slopes near Tournan (style similar to Hermitage) but many come from flatter, fertile sites that produce the lightest body, carbonic macertion style of Syrah
Describe the Hermitage wine style?
It is located on steep south facing slope, Fullest bodied, ageworthy wines of the N. Rhone and age well, may be co-fermented with low percent of viognier but rarely done now
Describe the Crozes-Hermitage wine style?
highest volume region, Combination of steep slopes for higher quality wines and flat land for lighter highyielding wines, not as high reputation as Hermitage
Describe the wine style of Cornas wines?
Most southerly of the N.Rhone crus, hence the warmest. Must be 100% Syrah, deep colored, full bodied and similar to Hermitage
Which has a more diverse range of wines produced? N. Rhpne or S. Rhone?
S. Rhone
What is the terrain like in S. Rhone?
The vineyards are planted on much flatter land
Of the two regions N. Rhone vs. S. Rhone which has steep slopes?
N. Rhone
What type of soils do the best vineyards in S. Rhone have?
stony soils that absorb the heat to help with ripening
What are the stones called in premium S. Rhone soils such as Chateauneuf De Pape?
Galets
How is the climate different in S. Rhone vs. N. Rhone?
S. Rhone the climate is mediteraean, mild winters, warm dry summers
What are two weather hazards for S. Rhone?
Mistral winds can be damaging and drought
How do grapegrowers protect the vines from the Mistral winds in S.Rhone?
Plant windbreaks and bush train the vines
How is grenache grown in S. Rhone?
Bush-trained low to ground to protect from winds and benefit from heat of the soil
How do they grow Syrah in S. Rhone?
It is more easily damaged by wind so they trellis it
Which of the two N. Rhone or S. Rhone have wines made from very complex blends (sometimes 10 or so grapes?)
S. Rhone
What is the dominant grape in S. Rhone?
Grenache
What are the three grapes that play supporting roles to Grenache in S. Rhone?
Syrah and Mouvedre and Cinsault
What is Cinsault best know for in S.Rhone?
A blending partner to Grenache in fresh, fruity roses
What is the winemaking style in S.Rhone?
Varies greatly
What is the biggest challenge for winemakers in S. Rhone?
Produce balanced wines due to the high tannins and high alcohol levels
What are some of the techniques winemakers in S.Rhone use to deal with the high tannins and high alcohol in their wines?
cold pre-fermentation maceration, storage in stainless steel to warm extractive fermentations, maturation in large old oak vessels
Between N. Rhone and S.Rhone which region has a more notable white grape presence?
N. Rhone (Vigoner, Marsanne, Roussane or Condrieu)
What are the generic appellations of S. Rhone Valley?
Cotes Du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Village
What is the hierarcachy of appellations in S. Rhone?
Regional, village and the crus
Which is the largest cru of S. Rhone?
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
Where is Chateauneuf du Pape located?
On the east bank of the Rhone
Is Chateauneuf du Pape flat or mountainais?
Flat
What are the varietals used in Chateauneuf du Pape?
Some are 100% grenache, some are grenache blends with mourvedre
What are the characteristics of the best Chateauneuf du Papes?
full-bodied, richly textured, concentrated spicy and fruit flavors, high alcohol
What are the only two southern “crus” on the west bank of the Rhone river?
Tavel and Lirac
What are Tavel and Lirac known for?
Their roses
What varietals are used in the roses from Tavel and Lirac?
Grenache and Cinsault
What are the two “crus” in S. Rhone that lie to the east of Chateauneuf de Pape?
Gigondas and Vacqueyras
What types of wines are made in Gigondas and Vacqueryas?
Grenache-led blends similar to Chateauneuf De Pape
What are the three areas of southern France called?
Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence
What is the local IGP for Southern France?
Pays D’Oc
What is the climate of Southern France?
Warm Mediterranean
What is a natural factor in the vineyards of Southern France?
The strong cooling winds from the North cool the eastern and western ends of the region
The warm climate of Southern France brings with it what sort of grape growing challenge?
Drought
What are the black varieties grown in Southern France?
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mouvedre, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the white varieties grown in Southern France?
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner and Picpoul
What is the wine style produced in Southern France?
It widely varies due to the large number of grapes and different winemaking styles
Where are the most IGP wines in France grown?
Southern France
Describe the topography of Provence?
landscape is varied, many ranges of hills,
What makes up most the production of Provence?
Rose
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
What is the most important subregion of vineyards in Provence?
Bandol
What wines are produced in Bandol?
Premium reds from the Mouvedre grape, grown on the regions south facing slopes
What are the characteristics of a Bandol Mouvedre?
dark, full-bodied, high tannins, require ageing
