Vouvray - Montlouis

Question 1

How does the climate change as you move away from Sancerre?

Answer 1

Climate becomes more maritime, and less continental. More humid and temperate.

Question 2

What is a tell tale characteristic of Chenin Blanc?

Answer 2

Lanolin

Question 3

Although Vouvray has made better wine historically, where are the better wines found today?

Answer 3

Montlouis-sur-Loire across the river (south) of Vouvray

Question 4

What happened in 2013? Why did it happen?

Answer 4

Law was passed ruling any wine labeled Vouvray must be vilified within the appellation boundaries. To target two prominent producers whose winemaking facilities are in Montlouis but make great Vouvray (Francois Chidaine and Jacky Blot)

Question 5

What are the classes like in the two regions?

Answer 5

Elites are in Vouvray. Humble people in Montlouis

Question 6

What is the predominant soil of Vouvray and Montlouis? What are the topsoils?

Answer 6

Tuffeau - a porous, soft lime with low density.
Topsoils: Montlouis -Perruches (clay/silex)
Vouvray - Aubuis (yellowish clay/limestone/flint); gives more presence, density, and power in the wines.

Question 7

Top producers of the regions:

Answer 7

Francois Chidaine, Jacky Blot, Domaine Huet (Vouvray), Domaine du Clos Nardin aka Philippe Foreau (Vouvray)