The Loire Valley - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the Loire Valley known for?
A diverse range of wines, including white, red, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines.
What are the four main sub-regions of the Loire Valley?
Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, and Nantais.
What is the climate of the Loire Valley?
Cool, with continental influences in the Central Vineyards and maritime influences in Nantais.
What is the most widely planted white grape in the Loire Valley?
Chenin Blanc.
What grape variety is dominant in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Sauvignon Blanc.
What is unique about Muscadet Sèvre et Maine wines?
They are often labeled “Sur Lie,” indicating lees aging for added texture and freshness.
What is the main red grape variety in Chinon and Bourgueil?
Cabernet Franc.
How does soil type affect Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley?
Sandy soils produce lighter wines, while limestone and clay soils produce fuller-bodied, more structured wines.
What is Rosé de Loire?
A dry rosé produced in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, with at least 30% Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.
What distinguishes Rosé d’Anjou from Cabernet d’Anjou?
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.
What is the primary grape variety in Muscadet?
Melon Blanc (Melon de Bourgogne).
What distinguishes Savennières wines?
Dry Chenin Blanc, full-bodied and capable of aging for decades.
What makes Coteaux du Layon wines special?
They are sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc, often influenced by noble rot.
What are the top sweet wine appellations in Coteaux du Layon?
Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.
What is Sauvignon de Touraine?
A varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Touraine region, often fresher and simpler than Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé.
What are the characteristics of Pinot Noir from Sancerre?
Light, dry, pale rosé and red wines with delicate fruit flavors.
What are the key characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé?
High acidity, flavors of green apple and wet stones, with subtle smoky notes.
What is the significance of “Sur Lie” aging in Muscadet?
Adds texture and complexity to the wine by aging on the lees until spring.
How do Vouvray wines differ by vintage?
In cooler vintages, they are often drier and lighter; in warmer years, they can be richer and sweeter.
What is the role of noble rot in Loire sweet wines?
Concentrates sugars and flavors, adding complexity to wines like those from Coteaux du Layon.
What are the common aromas in Loire Chenin Blanc?
Apple, citrus, tropical fruit, and sometimes honey and hay with age.
What type of wines are made in Menetou-Salon?
Sauvignon Blanc wines similar in style to Sancerre but often more affordable.
How does the River Loire influence vineyards?
It moderates temperatures, provides reflected light, and influences vineyard microclimates.
What grape is used for light, early-drinking reds in the Loire?
Gamay.
Why is Cabernet Franc well-suited to the Loire Valley?
It flowers and ripens early, making it ideal for the cool climate.
What is a key characteristic of Loire Gamay wines?
Fruity and easy-drinking, often with red berry flavors.
What is the typical alcohol content of Muscadet wines?
Generally low, with a maximum permitted strength of 12% ABV.
What makes Bonnezeaux wines unique?
They are sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc in a specific appellation within Coteaux du Layon, often influenced by noble rot.
What is the primary grape variety for sparkling wines in Saumur?
Chenin Blanc, often made using the traditional method.
How does the maritime climate of Nantais influence Muscadet wines?
The cool, humid conditions result in wines with high acidity and subtle green fruit flavors.
What is the main difference between Savennières and Coteaux du Layon wines?
Savennières produces full-bodied dry wines, while Coteaux du Layon focuses on sweet wines.
What are the aging characteristics of Loire Cabernet Franc?
Fuller-bodied examples from clay and limestone soils can age for many years, developing complexity.
What type of wines are produced in Vouvray?
A wide range, including dry, sweet, and sparkling wines from Chenin Blanc.
What distinguishes Saumur-Champigny reds from those of Chinon?
Saumur-Champigny reds are lighter, often displaying juicy berry and floral notes.
What is the significance of Val de Loire IGP?
A regional designation covering wines from the entire Loire Valley, often simple and fresh.
What is the role of the Mauges Hills in Anjou?
They create a warmer, drier microclimate suitable for ripening Chenin Blanc.
In which appellation are vineyards Les Monts Damnes and Chavignol located?
Sancerre.
Name four regions that produce Sauvignon Blanc wines in Loire Valley?
Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Monetou-Salon, Touraine.
What are the winemaking techniques commonly used for Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Gentle pneumatic pressing, temperature-controlled stainless steel for freshness, and occasional lees aging or oak use for texture.
How is malolactic fermentation (MLF) used in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines?
It is optional and typically used in cooler vintages to reduce acidity.
hat are the key Chenin Blanc appellations in the Loire Valley?
Vouvray, Savennières, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume, and Bonnezeaux.
What makes Savennières unique among Chenin Blanc appellations?
It produces full-bodied, dry wines with complex aging potential.
What are the key appellations for Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley?
Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Saumur, and Saumur-Champigny.
What is the typical style of Bourgueil Cabernet Franc?
Medium-bodied with red fruit, earthy tones, and structured tannins, capable of aging.
What are the typical characteristics of Cabernet Franc from Chinon?
Medium-bodied with red and black fruit flavors, soft tannins, and occasional floral notes.
