Loire Valley BUSINESS Flashcards
Why did Muscadet lose so much of its export market in the 90s? (4)
- Very popular in UK
- 13,000ha planted by 1980s
- 1991 saw drop of 2/3 production
- Opening for cheap new world wines e.g. Austrialia
How has the Pays Nantais sought to improve its position in export markets?
Terroir-specific wines of high quality with good value for money –> e.g. crus communaux
Where is Pays Nantais sold (domestic/export)?
85 domestic / 15 export
How important are negociants in production/sales of Pays Nantais?
>50% of sales (but this is less than in the past)
Castel, Grand Chais de France, Ackerman account for significant proportion
Compare A-S and Touraine in terms of production levels
- A-S x2 of Touraine
- rose from Anjou accounts for most of that difference
- A-S also makes more fizz
- Touraine makes more red and white
Where are the wines of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine sold?
Domestic 80, export 20
Describe the structure of wine production in the Loire
Production
- Negociant - 50% by vol (top 10 = 82% of that)
- Estates - 41% - many family-owned + many moving from Paris to change career and work in wine
- Co-ops - >10%
The line between negoc and estates blurring
- Negoc buying vines e.g. Grand Chais de France –> Château des Fesles (Bonnezeaux) and vinifying their own wines
- Estates buying grapes esp due to irregular weather
Where is Loire wine sold?
Domestic = 80% - specialist retail + hospo (44%), supermarkets (36%)
Export = 20% - US, UK, Germany
Within the export categories, which sub-zones achieve the largest volumes and highest prices?
To what extent is the Loire important for organic and biodynamic winemaking?
Production of certified organic wine is below French average - climate
But number of well-known proponents are located here e.g. Nicolas Joly
Centre of natural winemaking many labelled VdF
