The Loire Valley

Question 1

What are the latitude and climate of the Loire Valley?

Answer 1

Just north of the 47° Northern parallel.
Overall cool climate with
Maritime influence to the west
Continental influence to the east

Question 2

Vineyards of the Loire Valley can be loosely grouped in 4 sub-regions. What are they?

Answer 2

From upstream to downstream of the Loire:
-Central Vineyards; Touraine; Anjou-Saumur and Nantais
(These names are NOT AOC)

Question 3

What are 3 AOC in the Loire subject to the most continental influences?

Answer 3

The Central Vineyards:
AOC Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé and Manetou-Salon

Question 4

What costal AOC receives the most maritime influence?

Answer 4

The Nantais:
AOC Muscadet, Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine

Question 5

Although closer to the ocean that Touraine, Anjou vineyards are dryer and warmer. Why is that?

Answer 5

Some Anjou vineyards are protected by the MAUGES HILLS and some vineyards have warm stony soils.
Touraine, further inland receives more rain and has cooler wetter climate and clay soils

Question 6

What are some hazards associated with the grape varieties planted in the Loire? As a result, what are the most desirable location for vineyards?

Answer 6

-The Loire is the coolest limit of where many of its grapes can grow = High vintage variation
-Wet region subject to fungal diseases
=> Best vineyards on south-facing slopes overlooking rivers.

Question 7

Unlike for other French wine regions, there are no generic AOC encompassing the whole Loire Valley.
But what is there instead?

Answer 7

The IGP “Val de Loire”

Question 8

Name some Sauvignon Blanc-based AOC in the Loire?

Answer 8

Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Manetou Salon (Central Vineyards)
- (white) Touraine (Sauvignon de Touraine)

Question 9

Where can you find Chenin Blanc in the Loire?

Answer 9

Touraine and Anjou

Question 10

ame 4 AOC producing Chenin-Blanc based wines and their respective styles.

Answer 10

Vouvray (Sparkling and still, dry to sweet)
Saumur (Sparkling)
Anjou (Still, dry style)
Savennières (Age worthy full-bodied dry style)
Côteaux du Layon, Quart de Chaume & Bonnezeaux (SWEET)

Question 11

What is Melon Blanc/ Melon de Bourgogne?

Answer 11

The grape of Muscadet and Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine, light-bodied wines (max 12% ABV) with high acid and subtle green fruit flavors intended for immediate consumption.

Question 12

What is the meaning of “sur lie” on a label of Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine?

Answer 12

“Sur Lie” indicates lees contact over the winter for richer texture. Little handling retains delicacy and freshness.

Question 13

Cabernet Franc; early ripener, is at the limit of where it can grow in the Loire & gives different styles depending on micro-climate, soils and winemaking techniques.
Name 3 AOCs where CF is found in the Loire.

Answer 13

Touraine: AOC Chinon, AOC Bourgueil, AOC Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil (fruity wine for early drinking)
Saumur: AOC Saumur-Champigny (normally lighter in body and tannin than in Touraine)

Question 14

Besides Cabernet Franc (and Cabernet Sauvignon), give 3 other red grape varieties of the Loire and growing areas.

Answer 14

1. Gamay (Touraine & Anjou)
2. Pinot Noir (Central Vineyards: Sancerre Rouge)
3. Grolleau (for Rosé d’Anjou)

Question 15

Name 3 rosés from the Loire from DRIEST to SWEETEST.

Answer 15

Rosé de Loire (Blend, dry)
Rosé d’Anjou (Grolleau-base blend, off-dry)
Cabernet d’Anjou (CF & CS based, medium-sweet)