Loire Valley (Touraine)

Question 1

What three AOP’s in Touraine set the standard for classic Loire Cabernet Franc?

Answer 1

Chinon AOP

Bourgueil AOP

Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOP

Question 2

Chinon soils are broadly divided into what three types of soils?

Answer 2

Tuffeau

Clay

Varennes

Question 3

What two types of soils is Bourgueil divided into?

Answer 3

Sand & Limestone

Question 4

What soil is Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil situated on?

Answer 4

Lighter alluvial soils (making lighter wine)

Question 5

True or False?

Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil offer only red and rose wines

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Which grape does Chinon produce a small amount of?

Answer 6

Chenin Blanc

Question 7

What is Touraine’s largest and most important white wine district?

Answer 7

Vouvray AOP

Question 8

What is the soil of Vouvray?

Answer 8

Tuffeau limestone

Question 9

What other grape is allowed in Vouvray besides Chenin Blanc but hardly encountered?

Answer 9

Orbois

Question 10

What are the five sweetness levels Vouvray may be produced in?

Answer 10

Sec, sec-tendre (off dry), demi-sec, moelleux, and liquereux

Question 11

True or False?

Orbois is not permitted in Montlouis-sur-Loire

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What two varietals are mandated in Touraine white wine besides Chenin Blanc?

Answer 12

Sauvignon Blanc, and a maximum of 20% Sauvignon Gris

Question 13

What red and rose varieties are included in Touraine AOP?

Answer 13

Gamay, Groslot, Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc

Question 14

The Gamay bottlings are often sold locally as what? In the style of Beaujolais Nouveau

Answer 14

Primeur

Question 15

Name the five appellations allowed to add their name to basic appellation wine in Touraine

Answer 15

Mesland, Azay-le-Rideau, Amboise, Oisly, and Chenonceaux

Question 16

When was Touraine Noble-Joue AOP created?

Answer 16

2001

It recreates a historical style of vin gris, a blend of Gris Meunier (Pinot Meunier), Malvoisie (Pinot Gris), and Pinot Noir.

Question 17

What is the wine style of Jasnieres AOP?

Answer 17

Chenin Blanc from Jasnières is similar in style to Vouvray, yet often more green and herbaceous in character.

Question 18

What is the wine style of Vendomois AOP?

Answer 18

A newer appellation producing wine in all three colors, but specializing in dry rosé of 100% Pineau d’Aunis.

Question 19

What is the wine style of Coteaux du Loir AOP?

Answer 19

The red blends and rosés are based on Pineau d’Aunis and the white wines are exclusively produced from Chenin Blanc.

Question 20

What is the wine style of Cheverny AOP?

Answer 20

Cheverny’s light reds are Pinot Noir- and Gamay-based, while the lean whites are dominated by Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 21

What is the wine style of Cour-Cheverny AOP?

Answer 21

The local Romorantin grape is bottled varietally as Cour-Cheverny, made in both dry and off-dry styles.

Question 22

What is the wine style of Valencay AOP?

Answer 22

Valençay’s whites are predominantly composed of Sauvignon Blanc. Red and rosé wines from the appellation are based on Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Côt.