Loire Valley Pt 5 - Anjou-Saumur general Flashcards
What areas does the Middle Loire viticultural sub-region comprise?
Anjou, the area around Angers and the Layon Valley;
Saumur - Around the city of Saumur;
Touraine - around the city of Tours.
Which two grapes dominate plantings in Anjou-Saumur?
Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc
What is the climate of Anjou-Saumur?
It has a maritime climate in the west and becomes more continental going further east away from the ocean.
How does the dual climate influence the vineyards?
They are impacted by the Atlantic winds, however this decline with increasing distance from the sea. Also the seasonal continentality increases further inland.
How does the climate of Anjou-Saumur compare to the Pays Nantais and Centre-Loire?
It is a little colder in winter and slightly warmer in summer compared to Pays Nantais. It is however more temperate than say Sancerre.
What is the typical character of grapes from this sub-region?
Like most northerly-clime grown grapes there is bright acidity in both red and white grapes. Reds grown on optimal sites with lower yield can produce rich wines with depth of flavour.
Which two geological worlds meet in this sub-region?
Paris Basin and Massif Amoricain.
What is “Black Anjou”?
This describes the soils to the west of Angers which are made up of dark schists and sandstone.
What is “White Anjou”?
This describes the soils to the east of Angers which are made up of white chalk known as Tuffeau.
Define and describe Tuffeau.
Its geological name is Turonian Chalk.
It is soft when underground but hardens on contact with air. It’s quarried caves are used to make and store wine.
What character does Tuffeau impart to wines grown on it?
Grapes grown on this calcium-rich soil produce wines with significant acidity. Grapes are perfect for sparkling wines of Saumur.
Where might fruit for lighter-bodied fruit-driven reds be grown?
On sandy pockets near the rivers.
What is “La Douceur Angevine”?
It describes an area south of Angers which has a climate which is not too hot nor too cold. Also known as the Goldilocks area.
What is the principal and other white grapes of Anjou-Saumur?
Chenin Blanc;
Also Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Orbois/Arbois
What is the principal and other red grapes of Anjou-Saumur?
Cabernet Franc and Grolleau Noir;
Also Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Merlot, Pineau d’Aunis and Cot (Malbec).
