The Loire Valley Flashcards
What is the river that runs through the Loire Valley?
The Loire river
What is unique about the Loire river?
It is the longest river in France
Where does the Loire River originate?
In southern France in the Massif Central. Then travels 629 miles north and west to the Atlantic Ocean
Are the wines grown along the Loire’s length similar?
No, there are many differences between wines grown up river and down river
Climatic, wine styles, grape varieties and growing conditions
Where is the Loire region located?
Central Western France, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
From west to east, what are the main sub-regions of the Loire?
Pays Nantais
Anjou-Saumur
Touraine
Central Vineyards
Where is Pays Nantais located?
Western Loire, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
What is the climate in Pays Nantais?
Cool and wet maritime
Affected by proximity to the Atlantic
What are the soils of Pays Nantais?
Sand & gravel over schist & granite
What grapes are grown in Pays Nantais?
Melon de Bourgogne
What vinification techniques are used in Pays Nantais?
Sur Lie aging
Adding complexity and richness to the finished wine
What are the appellations of Pays Nantais?
Muscadet AOP
Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine AOP
What is the main city in Pays Nantais?
Nantes
What are the two rivers that feed into the Loire in Pays Nantais?
La Sevre Nantaise
La Maine
Where is Anjou-Saumur located?
East of Pays Nantais, along the Loire river
What is the climate in Anjou-Saumur?
Martime/continental
The climate shifts as you go further east/up river. Shifting from maritime to continental)
It remains very humid in this region
What are the main towns in Anjou-Saumur?
Angers
Saumur
What are the soils of Anjou-Saumur?
The soils shift from granite based to limestone based between the towns of Angers and Saumur
What grapes are grown in Anjou-Saumur?
Chenin Blanc
Cabernet Franc
What are the appellations of Anjou-Saumur?
Anjou-Villages AOP
Saumur AOP
Savennieres AOP
Bonnezeaux AOP
Quarts-de-Chaume AOP
What kinds of wines are produced in Anjou-Villages AOP?
Dry reds using Cabernet Franc
What kinds of wines are produced in Saumur AOP?
Sparkling wines using Chenin Blanc
Dry reds using Cabernet Franc
What wines is Saumur AOP famous for?
Sparkling wines made from Chenin Blanc
What is the style that is the largest percentage of Saumur’s production?
Sparkling wines made from Chenin Blanc
What method is used to make sparkling wines in Saumur?
Methode classique
What is a famous Chateau in Saumur?
Chateau de Saumur
Where is Saumur AOP located?
On the eastern end of Anjou-Saumur sub-region
Mostly south of the Loire
What kinds of wines are made in Savennieres AOP?
Dry white wines made from 100% Chenin Blanc
Where is Savennieres AOP located?
On the western end of Anjou-Saumur, on the north bank of the Loire river, southwest of the town of Angers
What topographical feature is in Savennieres?
Steep, south-facing hillsides
What kinds of wines are produced in Bonnezeaux AOP?
Sweet white wines made from Chenin Blanc
What viticultural techniques are used in Bonneazeaux AOP?
Late-harvest, botrytis-affected grapes are used