Loire Valley Region

Question 1

Location and Climate

Answer 1

Loire is the longest river in France going from central France, moving west, and then ending at the Atlantic Ocean.

Valley is central-northern

Temperate maritime climate with mild winters, warm summers

Question 2

Grapes

Answer 2

Sauvignon Blanc (36%), Chenin Blanc (24%), Cabernet France (18%), Pinot Noir (8%), Melon de Bourgogne (5%), Rose Blend, White Blend

Question 3

Terroir

Answer 3

Rolling hills, valleys, plains

Diverse soils ranging from limestone and clay to flint and sand

Question 4

Wine Characteristics

Answer 4

Fresh, crisp, lively acidity

Range from dry to sweet

Green apple, plum, floral and herbal undertones and sometimes some Smokey minerality

Question 5

Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 5

Most famous expression of the grape come from Sancerre, Touraine, and Pouilly Fume

(Ripe gooseberry, quince, grapefruit, flint, smoke)

Question 6

Muscadet (melon Blanc)

Answer 6

Nantais region is known for its mineral white wines with melon, often bone dry

Aged in concrete vats usually under ground

Often stir lees into the wine to impact texture (lees - sediment of dead yeast cells that settle during fermentation)

(Lime, sea shell, green apple, pear, slight acidity)

Best with seafood

Question 7

Cabernet Franc

Answer 7

Mostly grows in Chinon and Bourgell

Region is cool so reds are spicy and herbaceous with bell pepper notes

(Roasted pepper, raspberry, sour, cherry, iron, dried herbs)

Question 8

Sparkling Wines

Answer 8

Grapes include chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet franc

Delivers tart fresh fruit flavors

Question 9

Chenin Blanc

Answer 9

Vouvray is the most famous region

High acid, medium body - red wine lover’s white wine - can have savory characteristics