Loire Valley Flashcards
What is Silex?
A type of Flint soil found primarily in the Loire Valley. It’s made of quartz formed from the remains of sea sponge skeletons that once lived on the ocean floor.
What is the primary grape of Saumur-Champigny?
Cabernet Franc is the primary grape used in Saumur-Champigny. Up to 15% of the blend may include Cabernet Sauvignon or Pineau d’Aunis (sometimes called Chenin Noir).
Where is Cheverny, and what wines are produced there?
Cheverny AOC is in Tourraine in the Loire Valley. White wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, and Red/Rose wines from Pinot Noir and Gamay (with optional Malbec) are allowed.
Where is Bonnezeaux and what wines are produced there?
Bonnezeaux is in the Anjou, in the Loire Valley of France. Bonnezeaux produces sweet wines from 100% botrytized Chenin Blanc.
Where is Quincy, and what wines are made there?
Quincy is in the Upper Loire Valley in France, on the River Cher. Sauvignon Blanc is produced in the region.
Where is Reuilly, and what wines are made there?
Reuilly is in the Upper Loire region of France on the River Cher. Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant wine, although small amounts of Pinot Noir (for red and rose wines) are grown.
Where is Savennières and what type of wine is made there?
It is located in Anjou. The wines made there are from 100% Chenin Blanc, typically dry. Has been called the most cerebral wine in the world.
What is Rosé d’Anjou?
An off-dry rosé made primarily from Grolleau.
What is Cabernet d’Anjou?
A somewhat sweeter rosé made rom Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
What is the appellation used for drier rosés in the Loire Valley?
Rosé de Loire.
What is the main sparkling wine appellation of Saumur?
Saumur Mousseux (or just Saumur)
What is Saumur Mousseux?
The sparkling wine appellation in Saumur. The wine may be white or rosé. The rosé is based on at least 60% Cabernet Franc, the white must have at least 60% Chenin Blanc. They may also include any other grapes from the region.
Where is Bourgueil and what type of wine is made there?
Bourgueil is in Touraine. It produces red wines using a majority Cabernet Franc. A portion of Cabernet Sauvignon is often added for additional structure and complexity.
What are the main appellations of the Upper Loire, and what is the dominant grape variety?
Sancerre
Pouilly-Fume
Menetou-Salon
These use 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
What style of wines are produced in Montlouis-sur-Loire?
Wines similar to Vouvray - white wines from Chenin Blanc.
