WSET Loire Flashcards
does Loire Valley have any signature style wines?
no, there is an diverse range of white, red and rosé still wines.
what are the four sub-regions from east to west?
Central vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Samour, Nantais
how is the overall climate?
cooler on the coast (maritime) and continental on the inland (central vineyards)
why does vintages differ widely?
the weather patterns variates from year to year
what can be an issue in the region?
fungal diseases linked to high leves of rainfall
describe a desirable location in a cool climate
-locations with most sunshine and warmth
-southerly aspect
-mid-slope
-facing river for heat and reflect light
what variety are mainly grown in central vineyards an Touraine?
Sauvignon Blanc
what are the two most prestigious appellations for Sauvignon Blanc?
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (central vineyards)
how are the soils on Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé?
well-drained limestone-based soils
name two villages Sancerre with high reputations for their wines
Chavignol and Monts Damnés
what techniques are used to create fresh and fruity wines?
gentle pressing and temperature controlled stainless steel vats
what can you do to give a wine a broader texture?
-ferment and mature in old oak vessels and keep the wines on the lees
how can you lower the acidity in a wine?
by malolactic conversion
what is the most important appellation for Sauvignon Blanc south-west of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Menetou-Salon
what is the generic appellation for Touraine?
Tauraine
Where does the majority of Sauvignon Blanc come from?
Touraine
Discribe Chenin Blanc
non armomatic, high acid grape
why is it necessary to pass the vineyards of Chenin Blanc several times before harvesting?
grapes riches different levels of ripeness even within the same bunch
what type of wines can you make with Chenin Blanc?
dry or sweet, still or sparkling
what type of wines are made in Vouvray?
both still and sparkling Chenin Blanc
how are the soils and climate in Vouvray and what does it do with the wine?
cool and clay soils, gives fresh fruity medium bodied wines
what is Saumur better known for?
sparkling Chenin Blanc
what is Anjou better known for?
dry wines, sometime matured in new oak
what style of Chenin Blanc is it is Savenniéres and why?
full bodied and dry, warm and dry climate compared to Touraine