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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > The Loire Valley - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

The Loire Valley - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Loire Valley known for?

A

A diverse range of wines, including white, red, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines.

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2
Q

What are the four main sub-regions of the Loire Valley?

A

Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, and Nantais.

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3
Q

What is the climate of the Loire Valley?

A

Cool, with continental influences in the Central Vineyards and maritime influences in Nantais.

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4
Q

What is the most widely planted white grape in the Loire Valley?

A

Chenin Blanc.

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5
Q

What grape variety is dominant in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?

A

Sauvignon Blanc.

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6
Q

What is unique about Muscadet Sèvre et Maine wines?

A

They are often labeled “Sur Lie,” indicating lees aging for added texture and freshness.

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7
Q

What is the main red grape variety in Chinon and Bourgueil?

A

Cabernet Franc.

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8
Q

How does soil type affect Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley?

A

Sandy soils produce lighter wines, while limestone and clay soils produce fuller-bodied, more structured wines.

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9
Q

What is Rosé de Loire?

A

A dry rosé produced in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, with at least 30% Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.

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10
Q

What distinguishes Rosé d’Anjou from Cabernet d’Anjou?

A

Rosé d’Anjou is less sweet and made from Grolleau, while Cabernet d’Anjou is medium-sweet and made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

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11
Q

What is the primary grape variety in Muscadet?

A

Melon Blanc (Melon de Bourgogne).

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12
Q

What distinguishes Savennières wines?

A

Dry Chenin Blanc, full-bodied and capable of aging for decades.

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13
Q

What makes Coteaux du Layon wines special?

A

They are sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc, often influenced by noble rot.

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14
Q

What are the top sweet wine appellations in Coteaux du Layon?

A

Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.

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15
Q

What is Sauvignon de Touraine?

A

A varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Touraine region, often fresher and simpler than Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé.

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16
Q

What are the characteristics of Pinot Noir from Sancerre?

A

Light, dry, pale rosé and red wines with delicate fruit flavors.

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17
Q

What are the key characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé?

A

High acidity, flavors of green apple and wet stones, with subtle smoky notes.

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18
Q

What is the significance of “Sur Lie” aging in Muscadet?

A

Adds texture and complexity to the wine by aging on the lees until spring.

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19
Q

How do Vouvray wines differ by vintage?

A

In cooler vintages, they are often drier and lighter; in warmer years, they can be richer and sweeter.

20
Q

What is the role of noble rot in Loire sweet wines?

A

Concentrates sugars and flavors, adding complexity to wines like those from Coteaux du Layon.

21
Q

What are the common aromas in Loire Chenin Blanc?

A

Apple, citrus, tropical fruit, and sometimes honey and hay with age.

22
Q

What type of wines are made in Menetou-Salon?

A

Sauvignon Blanc wines similar in style to Sancerre but often more affordable.

23
Q

How does the River Loire influence vineyards?

A

It moderates temperatures, provides reflected light, and influences vineyard microclimates.

24
Q

What grape is used for light, early-drinking reds in the Loire?

A

Gamay.

25
Q

Why is Cabernet Franc well-suited to the Loire Valley?

A

It flowers and ripens early, making it ideal for the cool climate.

26
Q

What is a key characteristic of Loire Gamay wines?

A

Fruity and easy-drinking, often with red berry flavors.

27
Q

What is the typical alcohol content of Muscadet wines?

A

Generally low, with a maximum permitted strength of 12% ABV.

28
Q

What makes Bonnezeaux wines unique?

A

They are sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc in a specific appellation within Coteaux du Layon, often influenced by noble rot.

29
Q

What is the primary grape variety for sparkling wines in Saumur?

A

Chenin Blanc, often made using the traditional method.

30
Q

How does the maritime climate of Nantais influence Muscadet wines?

A

The cool, humid conditions result in wines with high acidity and subtle green fruit flavors.

31
Q

What is the main difference between Savennières and Coteaux du Layon wines?

A

Savennières produces full-bodied dry wines, while Coteaux du Layon focuses on sweet wines.

32
Q

What are the aging characteristics of Loire Cabernet Franc?

A

Fuller-bodied examples from clay and limestone soils can age for many years, developing complexity.

33
Q

What type of wines are produced in Vouvray?

A

A wide range, including dry, sweet, and sparkling wines from Chenin Blanc.

34
Q

What distinguishes Saumur-Champigny reds from those of Chinon?

A

Saumur-Champigny reds are lighter, often displaying juicy berry and floral notes.

35
Q

What is the significance of Val de Loire IGP?

A

A regional designation covering wines from the entire Loire Valley, often simple and fresh.

36
Q

What is the role of the Mauges Hills in Anjou?

A

They create a warmer, drier microclimate suitable for ripening Chenin Blanc.

37
Q

In which appellation are vineyards Les Monts Damnes and Chavignol located?

A

Sancerre.

38
Q

Name four regions that produce Sauvignon Blanc wines in Loire Valley?

A

Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Monetou-Salon, Touraine.

39
Q

What are the winemaking techniques commonly used for Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?

A

Gentle pneumatic pressing, temperature-controlled stainless steel for freshness, and occasional lees aging or oak use for texture.

40
Q

How is malolactic fermentation (MLF) used in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines?

A

It is optional and typically used in cooler vintages to reduce acidity.

41
Q

hat are the key Chenin Blanc appellations in the Loire Valley?

A

Vouvray, Savennières, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume, and Bonnezeaux.

42
Q

What makes Savennières unique among Chenin Blanc appellations?

A

It produces full-bodied, dry wines with complex aging potential.

43
Q

What are the key appellations for Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley?

A

Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Saumur, and Saumur-Champigny.

44
Q

What is the typical style of Bourgueil Cabernet Franc?

A

Medium-bodied with red fruit, earthy tones, and structured tannins, capable of aging.

45
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Cabernet Franc from Chinon?

A

Medium-bodied with red and black fruit flavors, soft tannins, and occasional floral notes.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (45 decks)

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