The Loire Valley Copied & Amended Flashcards

1
Q

Touraine production by colour of the wine, % ?

A
  • Touraine production
    • 50% whites (usually from east);
    • 40% reds
    • 10% rosés
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2
Q

What are the 2 sub-appellations of Savennieres, long regarded as unofficial grands crus?

What is unique about 1 of them?

A

Roche Aux Moines

Coulée de Serrant.

Coulée de Serrant is a monople of the biodynamic winemaker Nicolas Joly.

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3
Q

What are the differences between Rose de Loire, Cabernet d’Anjou, Rose d’Anjou, Sancerre Rose?

A

Rose de Loire - Made mainly in Anjou-Saumur. Always dry.

Cabernet d’Anjou - Medium sweet and made from a blend of Cab Franc and Cab Sav

Rose d’Anjou - less sweet than Cab d’Anjou and largely made from Grolleau blended with Cab Franc and others.

Sancerre Rose - Must be made 100% Pinot Noir. Pale colour,light in body and dry with delicate fruit flavours

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4
Q

What grape are the wines of Chinon and Bourgueil based on?

How do flavours differ based on soil type?

A

Cabernet Franc

Sandy soil - Light and fruity

Limestone and clay slopes - Riper - Full bodied and tannic

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5
Q

What type of wines are produced in Menetou-Salon, and from which grapes?

Why would you recommend these wines to a guest?

A

White: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Red: 100% Pinot Noir

Rosé: 100% Pinot Noir

More moderately-priced alternatives to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé

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6
Q

What are the 3 major and 5 minor white grapes of the Loire Valley?

A

Major: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne.

Minor: Chardonnay, Orbois, Romorantin, Gros Plant (Folle Blanche), and Chasselas.

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7
Q

How many key appellations in Pays Nantais?

Name them.

A

Four

Sevre et Maine

Muscadet

Coteaux de la Loire

Cotes de Grandlieu

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8
Q

Size of Loire vineyards?

Average holding?

training and harvesting?

A
  • 50,000ha of vines (1/2 of Bordeaux; similar to Rhone)
  • Avg holdings 20ha with high density planting at 4-5,000 plants/ha (up to 10,000plants/ha in Sancerre)
  • Biodynamic farming on the rise but spraying still frequent
  • Mechanical harvesting common (excl. sweet wines of middle Loire)
  • Vines either cordon or cane (Guyot) trained
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9
Q

Which grapes are permitted in Vouvray?

A

min. 95% Chenin Blanc
max. 5% Orbois

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10
Q

Despite Sancerre and Pouilly Fume heroics where is the majority of Sauvignon Blanc made into wine?

A

Touraine

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11
Q

Vitculture hazards of Pays Nantais?

A

Spring frost and rain during season

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12
Q

Put the following appellations in order from West to East:

Vouvray

Sancerre

Savennieres

Chinon

Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine

Quincy

A
  1. Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
  2. Savennieres
  3. Chinon
  4. Vouvray
  5. Quincy
  6. Sancerre
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13
Q

Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Sauvignon blanc:

  • Late budding; Early ripening; Suitable for cool climates/regions with threat of Autumn rains
  • Vigorous; Best on poor soils; use of low vigour rootstock + canopy management to avoid shading
  • Prone to powdery mildew; Botrytis bunch rot; Trunk disease (esca etc; if cordon trained, Eutypa die back)
  • Pronounced intensity of Grass, musky, Bell Pepper, Asparagus; Gooseberry, Grapefruit, Wet stone flavour (mineral undertones in cooler areas) to Riper passion fruit (warmer areas)
  • Medium Body; Medium Alcohol, Fresh High Acidity
  • Fruit grown in Shady conditions will result in higher green pepper, grassy notes; Fruit in more sunlight will have more tropical notes
  • Picking date imp as Acidity will drop
  • 70% plantings in Central vineyards
  • Most designed to be drunk within 2 years but some examples of long lived Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé
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14
Q

In which region of the Loire Valley is Vouvray located?

A

Touraine

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15
Q

What is the difference between Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire?

A

Montlouis-sur-Loire

  • sandier, lighter soils - less defined and earlier maturing wines
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16
Q

What AOC exports the most? and what is relative order of the others?

A
  • The appellations in export volume terms:
    • Sancerre AOC – is the largest by far
    • Muscadet AOC
    • Rose d’Anjou & Cabernet d’Anjou AOCs
    • Touraine AOC
    • Vouvray AOC
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17
Q

Reuilly AOC?

A

Reuilly AOC (●●●)

  • next to Quincy
  • Produces fine austere whites from Sauvignon B;
  • light reds from Pinot Noir and rosés from Pinot Gris & PN
  • Same maximum yields as in Sancerre
  • Limestone soils around the village of Reuilly
  • Small size – just over 200 Ha.!
  • Gamay sold as VdP red.
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18
Q

Gamay Noir?

A

Gamay Noir:

  • Generally made by carbonic maceration, as in Beaujolais
  • Some found in Anjou;
  • Principally grown in Touraine & central vineyards
  • High yields -> usually grown in gobelet
  • Gamay de Touraine: light, slightly acid, cheaper alternative to Beaujolais Also used in IGP Loire
  • Early budding and ripening (-> prone to spring frosts)
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19
Q

Wine production in Vouvray - what styles are produced?

A
  • Wine production
    • Considerable vintage variation
    • Dry Vouvray made every year
    • Demi-sec in some years
    • Sweet white Vouvray is rare
    • cool cellars carved in tuffeau allow for wine 2nd fermentation for sparkling.
    • Largest and most recognised Chenin blanc appellation; comes in dry, medium dry, sweet & sparkling
    • Sparkling 40% of production; produced in larger quantities in leaner years. Still wine = 60%.
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20
Q

Working east from the coast what are the 4 key regions of the Loire Valley?

A

Nantais

Anjou-Saumur

Touraine

Central Vineyards

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21
Q

What is Cabernet Franc locally known as in the Loire Valley?

A

Breton

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22
Q

What is the only type of wine made in Quincy AOP, and from which grape(s)?

A

White wine, from Sauvignon Blanc w/a max. 10% Sauvignon Gris

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23
Q

Describe the style

A
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24
Q

Why can Chenin Blanc be a pain to harvest and what is the countermeasure?

A

Takes a long time to ripen.

Even within one bunch common for grapes to reach different levels of ripeness.

Several passes through the vineyard might be necessary to pick grapes at desired ripeness.

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25
Q

What is Grolleau?

A

A red grape variety used to make Rosé still and sparkling wines in Anjou

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26
Q

How do Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre compare?

A

Pouilly Fume

  • is more rounded and less aromatic - with some cask ageing used which contributes to the roundness on the palate.
  • needs longer to be ready to release - 6 months to one year in bottle before release
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27
Q

Menetou-Salon AOC?

A

Menetou-Salon

  • Same max yields as in Sancerre
  • Just west of Sancerre; gentle South facing soils; more vulnerable to Frost with limestone & flatter landscape
  • Whites from Sauvignon blanc (60% of production) and Reds & Rosés from Pinot Noir.
  • Similar style to Sancerre & better prices -> fast growing area
  • Good to Very Good ; Inexpensive to mid priced
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28
Q

Structure of the wine trade in the Loire?

What % do the main production types make up of Loire wine production?

A

mainly family owned businesses

Negociants 50%

Estates 40%

Cooperatives 10%

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29
Q

The three soil types of Sancerre? and the impact they have on the style of the wine

A
  1. Caillottes:
    1. Very shallow soils; 25-40mm over limestone;
    2. said to produce most aromatic; first to be ready to drink;
    3. less potential for ageing
  2. Terre Blanches:
    1. Same limestone & Marl found in Chablis – Kimmeridgian marl;
    2. Slow ripening;
    3. Producing most structured wines that need long maturation before being ready to drink,
    4. some famous vineyards; Cote des Monts Damnes; Cul de Bujeau
  3. Silex:
    1. Around Sancerre; Flinty soils; accumulate heat
    2. Leading to early ripening
    3. Producing wines with Mineral & Smokey notes: Les Romains
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30
Q

Cru Communaux has three ‘Crus’, explain what this AOC means

A

Muscadet Cru Communaux

  • 3 Muscadet Cru Communaux been launched
  • Clisson, Gorges, Le Pallet
  • if grapes grown exclusively in the area, name can be added to label
  • Lower max yield; 45 hl/ha
  • wines have to kept on Lees:
    • for 18 mths (Le Pallet)
    • 24 mths (Clisson, Gorges)
    • cannot be labelled Sur lie as the long requirement of ageing on Lees means that they are bottled after the required date for Sur lie;
  • Typically, rounder, complex with longer finishes
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31
Q

Anjou Villages AOC?

A
  • Anjou Villages AOC:
    • Higher quality reds from designated areas are made as Anjou Villages AOC
    • Cab Franc, Cab Sav; Singly or blended; mostly Cab Franc in practice
    • 55 hl/ha; wines released in Sept after harvest
    • Brissac is one famous Village – known for its quality – Anjou AOC Brissac
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32
Q

Fill in the blanks

A
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33
Q

describe the Savennieres AOC, location, soil, viticulture, and wines

A

Savennières AOC(●) Chenin blanc, dry

  • Small prestigious – specialises in dry Chenin Blanc
  • North bank of the Loire; immediately South-west of Angers
  • South facing slopes; low fertility rocky Schist soils
  • Dry area with schist soils that slope to the river’s edge; restrictive yields
  • low yields give concentration & ripeness
  • max yield of 50 hL/Ha.
  • Wines
    • Very High Acidity + High levels of Alcohol; Austere in youth & require many years of bottle age before they become approachable
    • With warmer climates now & improved vineyard techniques, wines are fruitier & more concentrated, approachable styles; some creating premium Cuvees using a proportion of new Oak.
    • Can be perceived as steely & tart young; requires 4-5 yrs to mellow
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34
Q

Saumur-Champigny AOC, describe the AOC.

A

Saumur-Champigny AOC (●)

  • Cabernet Franc – minimum 85%
  • Named after Champigny village;
  • Soils: Chalk, Flint ,Clay: Combines to offer good drainage & water holding Potential
  • 57hl/ha; Low flavour intensity
  • Wines: Pale Ruby; Medium to Medium(+) Intensity; Red currant, some leafy aromas; Medium Alcohol; High Acidity; Medium Tannin
  • Released as early as Dec after harvest; intended for early drinking
  • Good to very Good; In expensive to mid-priced
  • Very successful in Paris bars – soft approachable style of Cabernet Franc
  • CLOS ROUGEARD – is a premium producer
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35
Q

Anjou-Saumur is an important center for Rose - what are the three key AOCs for Rose and describe the wines

A

Rosé de Loire AOC (●) Dry Rose

  • Cab franc, cab sauvignon, gamay, Grolleau noir
  • Rarely produced outside of Anjou-Saumur
  • Max yield 60 hl/ha
  • Always Dry

Rosé d’Anjou AOC (●) Medium-dry

  • mainly Grolleau Noir, with Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Cot & Gamay blend
  • 65 hl/ha: low flavour intensity
  • Pink – Orange; Medium Intensity Red Berry; Medium (+) Acidity; Medium Alcohol; Medium Dry
  • Inexpensive to mid
  • Has generally been sweet and considered low quality
  • Best selling of all 3 AOC’s
  • quality improving

Cabernet d’Anjou (●): Medium dry

  • cab franc + cab sauvignon,
  • sweeter than rosé d’Anjou and age-worthy
  • 60 hl/ha
  • Deeper colour than most rose ( medium pink) & Medium Dry
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36
Q

What is the climate of Touraine?

A

Cool Continental

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37
Q

Muscadet AOC, details?

A

Muscadet AOC (●)

  • Larger: Basic regional appellation.
  • Used to be only Melon de Bourgogne (or Muscadet) authorised.
  • Max. yield 65 hL/Ha.
  • Chaptalisation up to 12%; from 2018, may include 10% Chardonnay
  • Dry; low Intensity; Green Apple, Grassy; High Acidity, light Body
  • Acceptable to Good;( some very good); Inexpensive
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38
Q

What is the climate of the Central Vineyards?

A

Continental - with frost and hailstorms an issue

750mm rainfall

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39
Q

Exports of the Loire by country?

A

20% of total production

UK 20%

Germany 20%

USA 18%

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40
Q

Chenin Blanc can be used to make many styles, what are it’s charcteristics and where does it stand out?

What is it locally known as?

Characteristics when young / aged?

A

High acid non aromatic grape stands out in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine.

Locally known as Pineau de la Loire

Young - rigid and austere.

Aged - greater complexity and honeyed richness.

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41
Q

What are the key grapes of Central Vineyards?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir

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42
Q

Cabernet Franc?

A

Cabernet Franc:

  • Early budding; Prone to spring frosts
  • Prone to Coulure; reduction in yields
  • Mid ripening; if picked before autumn rains begin, can taste leafy
  • Incidence of overly herbaceous avoided by better canopy management
  • Winter hardy; good variety for cool areas
  • Medium to pronounced Intensity: Red currant, Raspberry; Floral (violet); light to medium Body, High Acidity
  • 18,000ha; Well suited to cool inland climates
  • Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon:
    • Buds, matures earlier -> easier to ripen fully
    • Less susceptible to poor weather at harvest
    • Lighter in colour, the wines have berry fruits flavours, unobtrusive tannins and higher acidity
  • Single Varietal or part of Rose blend

In Eastern Touraine, blended with Cot (Malbec

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43
Q

What are the tasting notes of classic Sancerre and Pouilly Fume?

A

High acidity, meduim body, hints of green apple and wet stones.

Pouilly Fume is also known for subtle smoky notes

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44
Q

Working West to East what are the key appellations of Touraine?

A

Bourgueil, Chinon

Vouvray

Touraine

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45
Q

Describe the two sub appellations of Savennieres

A
  • 2 sub-AOCs:

La Roche aux Moines AOC

Coulée de Serrant AOC

  • south facing schist slopes near Angers; facing Loire river; riper fruit
  • 30 hl/ha for dry wines
  • intense, complex & age-worthy whites
  • Coule de Serrant: monopole of Nicolas Joly, leading champion of biodynamics
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46
Q

Vouvray must be made from at least 95% Chenin Blanc and up to 5% ___?

A

Orbois

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47
Q

4 Top Sancerre Producers:

A

Domaine du Nozay

Paul Cherrier et Fils

Henri Bourgeois

Alain Girard

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48
Q

Folle Blanche?

A

Folle Blanche:

  • Produces acidic & neutral wines
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49
Q

What is the sole permitted style of Muscadet AOP?

A

Dry white wine

50
Q

There are three important red wine AOCs in Touraine, name them?

A

Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil

51
Q

What viticultural practices are needed in Pays Nantais to get good fruit?

A
  • improved canopy management to get ripeness
  • leaf removal to prevent risk of fungal disease;
  • Attention paid to ripeness of skin & pips in setting harvest date
  • Hot years can see sugar levels too high prior to ripeness of fruit
52
Q

Bonnezeaux is a botrytis-affected sweet wine from which sub-region?

A

Coteaux du Layon, within Anjou-Saumur

53
Q

% of production from each area?

A
  • Split of production:
    • Anjou-Saumur – 48%
    • Touraine – 24%
    • Central Vineyards – 14%
    • Pays Nantais – 14%
54
Q

What are the 3 soil types of found in Sancerre/Pouilly-Fumé?

A

“Terre blanches”: a continuation of the same Kimmeridgian clay that extends into Chablis.

“Caillottes”: a stony soil, littered with fossils.

“Silex”: higher proportion of flint, continuing into the communes of Pouilly-Fumé across the river.

55
Q

Wine business of Pays Nantais - what has been its history since the 80s?

What business model controls most of the sales?

A

Wine Business

  • Huge success in Britain in the 80s
  • 13,000 Ha.s at its peak
  • 1991 a severe frost cut production by 2/3rds
  • Sought to reposition as terroir-specific wines
  • Exports for Pays Nantais is 17% by volume (low)
  • Négociants account for >50% of sales
  • Many smaller Négociants have been bought by larger companies
56
Q

The minimum amount of Cabernet Franc required in Saumur-Champigny is _____ %.

What other grapes are allowed?

A

Min. 85% Cabernet Franc.

Max. 15% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d’Aunis.

57
Q

What is the white winemaking approach in the Central Vineyards and describe the resulting Sauvignon Blanc wine.

A

White wine

  • Typically in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
  • Ferment Temps slightly higher than New World;
  • Upper end of cool to low mid-range - for restrained fruit flavour
  • MLF blocked (some allow it depending on style & vintage)
  • Maturation
    • Higher quality wines may be aged in old oak casks to fill out Body
    • Some lees work while in barrel for high quality examples
    • Typically there is no barrel maturation for the wines
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pronounced intensity aromas of grass, bell pepper, asparagus with gooseberry and grapefruit
  • w/ wet stone (cooler areas)
  • w/ riper passionfruit (warmer areas)
58
Q

Chinon is located where?

A

south bank of Loire river on the Vienne river

59
Q

Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire are separated by the _____ river.

A

Loire

60
Q

Climate and soils of Pays Nantais?

A

Climate and Soils:

  • close to the Atlantic Ocean
  • Cool maritime climate
  • Cool springs, warm & humid summers;
  • threat of rain through growing season
  • Well drained soils: old soils » = schist, granite, gneiss, sand
  • Despite proximity to Atlantic, Spring Frosts a serious issue;
  • Producers investing on prevention or protective measures like wind machines, heaters, burning straw bales
61
Q

Which Red wines in the Loire Valley are made predominantly from Cabernet Franc?

A

Saumur-Champigny

Chinon

Bourgueil

62
Q

Chinon’s soils can be divided in 3 broad categories:

A

Clay

“Tuffeau”: Chalky, fine-grained limestone.

“Varennes”: Sandy, alluvial soils.

63
Q

Which Loire Valley Rosé style is always dry?

Which are sweet?

A

Dry: Rosé de Loire

Sweet: Cabernet d’Anjou, Rosé d’Anjou

64
Q

What are the key appellations of Anjou Saumur?

A

Saumur, Saumur Champigny

Anjou

Savennieres, Coteaux de Layon

Rose d’Anjou, Cabernet d’Anjou, Rose de Loire

65
Q

Quarts de Chaume AOC, describe it and what the AOC rules are.

A
  • Quarts de Chaume (Grand cru from 2019): (first GC)
    • extremely top quality
    • long lasting sweet wines from Chenin blanc
    • tiny – only 30 Ha.
    • min 18 degrees potential alcohol, and 20 hL/Ha (1820)
66
Q

Climate of Vouvray

A

continental with maritime influences, and has considerable vintage variation

67
Q

How are the sauvignon blanc grapes gently treated in winemaking to preserve the fresh, fruity, varietal flavours?

A

Pneumatic pressing, temp controlled fermentation in stainless steel

68
Q

What grapes are used in Reuilly AOP for:

Red

White

Rosé

A

Red: 100% Pinot Noir

White: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Rosé: Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris

69
Q

Chenin Blanc

A

Chenin Blanc:

  • Early budding: prone to spring frosts
  • Vigorous; high yielding
  • Late ripening; vulnerable to onset of Autumn rains
  • Prone to Powdery mildew; botrytis bunch rot; trunk diseases
  • Ripens unevenly; picked on several passes, limiting mechanical usage where botrytis is sought
  • Dominant variety in Loire: Sparkling; dry off dry, sweet
  • Wines:
    • Medium Intensity
    • HONEYED, WET STRAW, Green Apple & Lemon (sometimes steely smoky character)
    • Medium Alcohol
    • HIGH ACIDITY (balanced with RS for off dry style)
  • Chenin blanc / Pineau de Loire - most versatile grape in the world
  • Mostly vinified as varietal but up to 20% Sauvignon or Chardonnay allowed in Anjou and Saumur
70
Q

Vouvray AOC - what is the varietal requirement?

A

95% Chenin Blanc min.

71
Q

Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon:

  • Late ripening; preforms best in temperate Anjou
  • Blended with Cab franc;
  • Used in Rose blends
  • with concentration of phenolics and tannins
  • Extremely vigorous vine but susceptible to powdery mildew, eutypa and excoriose
  • Ripens slowly
  • Often blended with Merlot & Cabernet Franc
  • Produces deep coloured, age-worthy reds with aromas of blackberries Slowly gaining ground in Loire
72
Q

Bonnezeaux AOC, describe it and the AOC rules

A

Bonnezeaux AOC:

  • top sites for some of the world’s greatest sweet whites
  • about 80 Ha.s in size
  • Regulations stricter than Coteaux du Layon + Village, less strict than Quarts de Chaume
  • Higher potential Alcohol, Lower yields, results in High Intensity & rich texture
  • 15 degrees potential alcohol, and 25 hL/ha
73
Q

As a modern winemaker how would you ferment Muscadet?

A

Key objective retain varietal delicacy and freshness so ferment in temp controlled s. steel or concrete

74
Q

Saumur AOC - what varietals are allowed and yields

A

Saumur AOC

  • White: Chenin blanc
  • Red: Cabernet Franc
  • Rose: Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Max yields are 60 hl/ha for whites; 57 hl/ha for Reds & Roses
  • The high maximum yields lead to some low flavour intensity wines
75
Q

St. Nicolas-de-Bourgueil may only produce what kinds of wine?

Based mainly on which grape?

A

Red and Rosé

Cabernet Franc, up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

76
Q

Vouvray AOP may produce red wines from Pinot Noir.

True or False?

A

False

77
Q

What is the style of basic Muscadet and how is Muscadet Sevre et Maine “sur lie” different?

A

Neutral, bone dry to dry, high in acid, and designed for youthful consumption

Sevre et Maine is a superior appellation and ‘sur lie’ wines are bottled between March 30 and November 1 following harvest having spent the Winter on its lees.

Adds complexity, richness, and a slight sparkle to the finished wines.

78
Q

Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC - details

A

Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine AOC (●); 8800 ha

  • Largest: Directly South-east of Nantes;
  • Max yield 55 hL/ha
  • largest AOC with 80% of production; monoculture area
  • Vineyards on rolling hills with some high quality sites.
  • Ambitious wines from clay soils of schist & granite slopes.

Vallet and Saint Fiacre are suitable for ageing

79
Q

What 4 appellations of Nantais are based on Melon de Bourgogne?

A

Muscadet

Muscadet Sevre et Maine

Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire

Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu

80
Q

Anjou-Saumur makes how much of Loire wine?

what wines generally?

A

48%

Chenin (dry, off dry, sweet) and Cabernet Franc (Rose, Reds)

81
Q

What is the climate of Nantais?

What is the soil type?

A

Cool, wet Maritime

Volcanic (gneiss, silica), clay and Granite; warming and good drainage.

82
Q

Considering climate risks why is Melon Blanc a vine-grower’s friend?

A

The grape ripens early and is frost resistant.

83
Q

What are the key appellations of Central Vineyards?

A

Sancerre (Sancerre Rose)

Pouilly Fume

Menetou Salon

84
Q

What is the 1 major and 6 minor red grapes of the Loire Valley?

A

Major: Cabernet Franc.

Minor: Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pineau d’Aunis, and Groslot (Grolleau).

85
Q

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil AOC

A

Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil AOC (●●)

  • Most westerly red AOC;
  • northern bank of the Loire
  • Lighter style than Bourgueil AOC
  • Lighter soils for fruity reds and rosés best drunk young.
86
Q

Despite Sauvignon Blanc being an aromatic grape what 2 things might winemakers allow / use in cool vintages?

A

MLF

Lees contact

87
Q

Varietals for Touraine AOC reds and roses?

A
  • Reds: Principal varieties are Cabernet Franc, Cot (Malbec), Cabernet Sauv, Pinot Noir Gamay, Grolleau & Pineau d’Aunis
  • Rosés: same as reds + Pinot Meunier.
88
Q

Anjou AOC - what are the basic rules for white, reds, rose

A

Anjou AOC (●●●)

  • 60 hl/ha for Red & Whites; 67 hl/ha for Rose (low intensity flavour)
  • Anjou Blanc: min 80% Chenin
  • Anjou Rouge: 70% Cab franc &/or Cab Sav

· May opt to forsake the appellation system and opt for Vin de France

· Very large AOC stretching from the borders of Muscadet to the town of Saumur.

89
Q

What is the topography and moderating influences of Sancerre?

A
  • 200-400m average Sancerre hills, some steep hillside slopes
  • River & nearby forests moderating influences against spring frosts
90
Q

Sur Lie - on lees - why is this done and what are the rules around this winemaking technique?

A

Sur Lie (on lees):

  • Typical of Pay Nantais; way of filling out body of the light bodied wines
  • After ferment is complete, one racking permitted to remove gross lees
  • Wine remains in contact with fine lees through winter until bottling
  • Ageing on lees also retains freshness & may retain any CO², which is part of the style
  • Must be bottled between 1st March & 30 th Nov from harvest & IN the winery made in;
  • Later bottling adds to the cost
  • Therefore, Négociants can only buy grapes, must or bottled wine but not wine aged sur lie
  • Labelling term Sur lie maybe added to any 4 of appellations
91
Q

What is the next step up from Coteaux du Layon within the AOC?

How does the botrytis/late harvest affect the harvest?

Describe the wines made.

A
  • Coteaux du Layon AOC + named Village
    • Grapes need to be picked in several passes to pick only affected grapes
    • Lower yields and higher potential alcohols
  • Wines:
    • Pronounced aroma; Cooked Citrus & Apple, Honey notes;
    • Medium (+) Body, Medium Alcohol
    • High Acidity; Sweet finish
    • Mid to Premium
92
Q

Melon?

A

Melon

  • Only allowed variety in Pays Nantais
  • Hardy, suited to cool region
  • Early budding; prone to spring frosts
  • Early ripening; produces high yields
  • Resistant to Powdery mildew; susceptible to Downy ; Botrytis bunch rot( which need humidity to thrive)
  • High Acidity; Light Body, Low Alcohol; Low Intensity; Green apple,
  • Good to very good; inexpensive to mid
  • Imported from Burgundy in 17th
  • Resisted the 1709 harsh winter
  • Regular and high yields
  • Importance only due to Muscadet
93
Q

What is the only permitted grape of Montlouis-sur-Loire AOP?

A

Chenin-Blanc

94
Q

Which appellations in Anjou-Saumur produce sweet wine?

What grapes are used, and how is swetness attained?

A

Bonnezeaux AOP

Quarts-de-Chaume AOP

Coteaux du Layon SGN AOP

All 3 wines are made from 100% Chenin Blanc, late-harvested, botrytis-affected grapes.

95
Q

What are the winemaking techniques employed in making red Chinon?

A
  • Winemaking
    • Max yield 55 hl/ha; Low flavour
    • usually 100% Cabernet Franc – max of 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon allowed
    • short maceration (6-8 days) – early drinking styles
    • long maceration (2-3 weeks) – more structured and powerful wines – released later onto the market
  • Wines with extended maceration - aren’t approachable when young but can live for more than 20 year due to high acidity, intense flavour profile, med-med+ tannins
96
Q

Details on Cotes de Grandlieu and Coteaux de la Loire?

A

Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC (●)

  • On Southern bank of the Loire, Southwest of Nantes,
  • close to the Atlantic; influence of Lac Grand Lieu
  • Max yield 55 hL/ha

Muscadet Côteaux de la Loire AOC (●)

  • On Northern bank of the Loire, northeast of Nantes; fuller bodied less acidic wines
  • Max yield 55 hL/ha
  • Only 32 Ha??
97
Q

Coteaux du Layon AOC - explain where it is, what it specialises in.

A

Côteaux du Layon AOC (●) Chenin blanc, sweet

  • Located on steep slopes on the right bank of the R Layon
  • Specialises in wine made by Botrytis affected grapes; if botrytis fails to form, vines may be dried on the vine
  • Natural high acidity of Chenin allows luscious sweet wines to be balanced
  • Fresh fruit character and acidity of sweet German wines but with more body & alcohol.
98
Q

Explain the three winemaking approaches for Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and then Rose in Anjou-Saumur

A

Winemaking

  • Chenin Blanc
    • At cool to mid-range temperatures
    • Fermentation can last several months
    • MLF is usually avoided
    • Matured in large neutral containers
    • Aim is to preserve primary fruit characters
  • Cabernet Franc
    • Fermented in concrete or old wood vats
    • Punch downs and pump overs are typical
    • Ambient yeast preferred
    • Aged in used oak barrels
    • Aim to maintain primary fruit flavours
    • Premium wines see some new oak
  • Rose winemaking:
    • Direct press to tank
    • Short macerations;
    • short ageing (3-4 mths) in neutral containers
99
Q

What are the 3 geographical subzones of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine?

A

Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges

100
Q

Wine Estates in the Loire - what is their role in selling Loire wine ?

A
  • Estates
    • sell 40%
    • increasing number have a négociant side to the business as well
      • increased as frosts & hail damaging their grapes,
      • hence have bought in grapes to keep clientele happy
      • & avoiding financial difficulty
    • 13,000 family estates but growing consolidation of family holdings
101
Q

Describe the Pouilly-Fume AOC, location, soil, and wines

A

Pouilly-Fumé (●)

  • SB only - 65 hl/ha
  • On flatter land; prone to Frost in spring (wind machines used)
  • Same soils as in Sancerre
  • Eastern bank of Loire river; facing Sancerre; slightly flatter vs. Sancerre
  • Limestone soils -> flinty, mineral notes
  • Higher proportion of cask ageing makes for less herbaceous character & more rounded vs. Sancerre.
  • Similar price & quality as Sancerre
  • Tends to be rounder, less aromatic than Sancerre
  • needs more time; 6 mths to year in bottle to sell
102
Q

Climate of Anjou-Saumur?

A

Climate

  • Moderating influence of Atlantic Ocean decreases progressively in Anjou-Saumur & then Touraine
  • Maritime climate in Anjou-Saumur (continental in Touraine)
  • Rain: 700mm; throughout the year
  • Rain means that there is high disease pressure
  • River Layon: tributaries create misty conditions; ideal for Botrytis
103
Q

What % is Sauvignon Blanc of the Central Vineyards?

And Pinot Noir?

A

70%

20%

104
Q

How does the location of a vineyard in Vouvray relative to the Loire river influence the wine?

A
  • Viticulture
    • Soils become more clay away from the river inhibiting ripening – cooler soils
    • Best vineyards on slopes that overlook the R Loire
    • promoting ripeness due to good sunlight interception
    • moderating influence of river
105
Q

What are the main grapes are used for the following appellations?

Chinon

Sancerre Blanc

Bourgeil

Muscadet Sevre et Maine

Savennieres

Pouilly-Fumé

Vouvray

Sancerre Rouge

A

Chinon: Cabernet Franc

Sancerre Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc

Bourgeil: Cabernet Franc

Muscadet Sevre et Maine: Melon Blanc

Savennieres: Chenin Blanc

Pouilly-Fumé: Sauvignon Blanc

Vouvray: Chenin Blanc

Sancerre Rouge: Pinot Noir

106
Q

Touraine is part of the middle Loire, describe the climate, viticulture and wine production

A

TOURAINE

  • 24% of Loire wines
  • Climate
    • Continental climate; cold winters & warm summers
    • Rain:700 mm
    • Rain falls throughout the year
    • More continental than Anjou-Saumur but not as continental as the central vineyards
  • Viticulture
    • High disease pressure due to rain throughout year
  • Wine production
    • WHITE - Sauvignon Blanc is the key white varietal for white production but contains largest Chenin Blanc AOC in Vouvray
    • RED - Cabernet Franc, Cot (Malbec) for red production
    • ROSE - Two Cabernets, Cot, Gamay, Grolleau Noir
    • White, red, rose and sparkling are all made in Touraine
107
Q

What is the climate of Central vineyards?

What is the soil type?

A

Continental

Chalky and stony = well drained

108
Q

Bourgueil AOC?

A

Bourgueil AOC (●●)

  • Red wines; some rose
  • usually 100% Cabernet Franc; 10% Cabernet Sauvignon theoretically allowed
  • 55 hl/ha
  • South facing slopes on Loire’s northern bank;
  • sand & gravel w chalky substratum
  • Gentle climate w low rainfall
  • More powerful and tannic wines vs. Chinon
109
Q

Savennieres and Coteaux du Layon are both made in Anjou-Saumur from Chenin Blanc. How do the wines differ and why?

A

Savennieres - Dry, austere and rigid in youth, develops complexity and richness with age. Good air circulation around the vines enables late harvest, steep south-facing slope, whilst impeding Noble Rot.

Coteaux du Layon - Renowned sweet wine. Lies in a sheltered valley of R. Layon that encourages Noble Rot

110
Q

Working West to East what are the key appellations of Central Vineyards?

A

Menetou-Salon

Sancerre

Pouilly-Fume

111
Q

Where is Savenierres located, what kind of exposure does it have and what is its soil made of?

A
  • North bank of the river Loire, south of Angers.
  • Steep south-facing aspect.
  • Soil is a unique mixture of blue schist and volcanic debris.
112
Q

Working West to East what are the key appellations of Nantais?

A

Muscadet

Muscadet Sevre et Maine

113
Q

What is the climate of Anjou Saumur?

What is the soil type?

A

Continental with a maritime influence

Granite and tuffeau (local limestone)

114
Q

Grolleau Noir?

A

Grolleau Noir:

  • Early budding; Mid ripening
  • Prone to botrytis bunch rot
  • Mainly used as a blending variety in roses, especially Rose d’Anjou & Rose de Loire
  • Everyday red grape of Touraine
  • High yields for thin, acidic wines
  • Being replaced with Gamay or Cabernet Franc
  • Banned from Anjou, Saumur & Touraine AOCs (except Rosé d’Anjou

AOC)

  • Blended with Gamay in Rosé d’Anjou
115
Q

Quincy AOC

A

Quincy AOC (●)

  • Next to river Cher
  • South-West of Sancerre;
  • Sauvignon blanc grown on sandy gravel soils for fruity, aromatic & soft whites
  • Wines - Sauvignon Blanc (min 90%) & Sauvignon Gris ; Same max yield as in Sancerre
  • Slightly more rustic vs. Sancerre & better prices -> fast growing area
116
Q

Sancerre export statistics - what do they look like in volume and value

A
  • Sancerre outperforms all other appellations
    • In volume terms a long way ahead
    • On price the whites achieve another 50% per litre than the other white AOC wines
    • And double the average price per litre for its Reds and Roses
117
Q

The white varietals of the Touraine AOC?

A
  • Whites:
    • Principal variety is Sauvignon blanc, Chenin blanc, Arbois & Chardonnay (max 20%)
    • Max 65 hL/Ha.
118
Q

What styles of wine are made in Vouvray?

What is the primary grape?

How do these wines range in style?

A

Dry / Sweet, Still / Sparkling.

White wines made from Chenin Blanc.

Wines range in style from dry to lusciously sweet, light-medium body, fresh fruity and floral notes.

119
Q

Winemaking techniques for Muscadet?

A

Winemaking:

  • Chaptalisation up to 12% potential alcohol in cooler years
  • Fermented; aged in large, shallow underground concrete Vats, some SS used
  • Aim to keep wine neutral as possible
  • Typically MLF avoided; preserving natural high acidity of style
  • To lift profile of Muscadet experimentation with:
    • skin contact & Ferment in barrel
    • use of amphora and concrete egg
120
Q

What is the only permitted grape of Montlouis-sur-Loire AOP?

A

Chenin Blanc

121
Q

What are the 4 key appellations of Touraine?

A

Vouvray - Dry –> Sweet, Still and sparkling

Chinon

Bourgueil

Touraine

122
Q

Negociants in the Loire?

A
  • Négociants:
    • selling 50% of all wine by volume
    • (top 10 négociants account for 82% of all Négociant sales);
    • Négociants have increasingly opted to vinify themselves;
    • Negociant owned wineries include: Grand Chais de France buying Chateau des Fesles (Bonnezeaux) & Chateau de Cleray (Muscadet serve et Maine)