Loire Valley Pt 3 - Viticulture and Winemaking Flashcards

1
Q

Why are grapes left on the vine longer in the Loire?

A

The region is close to the historical northern limit for grapegrowing and therefore need to be left hanging later to achieve ripeness.

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2
Q

What techniques have grape growers adopted to optimise ripeness.

A

Canopy management techniques such as short-pruning, de-budding and green harvesting. These along with climate change have led to earlier harvesting.

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3
Q

What are the most common training methods in the Loire?

A

Guyot and cordon.

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4
Q

What hazards do wineries face in practicing organic, biodynamic or sustainable viticultural practices?

A

Significant humidity and rainfall in the growing season. However it is practiced.

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5
Q

When does harvest begin in Loire?

A

Since the early 2000’s, harvest starts around the 15th September. It runs into November for late-harvest grapes.

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6
Q

What is the order of harvesting?

A

Melon from Pays Nantais and Sparkling grapes first. Cabernet Franc and late-harvest Chenin Blanc are last.

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7
Q

Why and where is hand-picking required in Loire?

A

In certain appellations (eg Cremant de Loire) and for late-harvest wines to select grapes infected with botrytis.

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8
Q

What does “tris” mean in harvesting?

A

It is picking in passes through the vineyard in stages to handpick botrytis infected grapes.

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9
Q

What is the main winemaking technique for white wines in Loire?

A

Anaerobic/Reductive winemaking to preserve natural acidity, freshness, aromas and flavours. Malaolactic fermentaion is avoided. Many are aged on lees.

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10
Q

Which vessels are used to make white wine in Loire?

A

Mainly thermoregulated stainless steel for temperature control. There is some use of large oak vats.

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11
Q

Is chaptalisation permitted for white wines in Loire?

A

Yes but only in certain years and under certain conditions.

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12
Q

Which grapes are used for sweet wines in Loire?

A

Mainly Chenin Blanc. However Malvoisie (Pinot Gris) and Romarantin are usd in specific AOCs.

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13
Q

Is oak used for sweet wines in Loire?

A

Not widely. A few producers use old oak. It gives slight oxidation which adds complexity.

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14
Q

When is sweet wine bottled and matured?

A

Simple wines are bottled quickly after fermentation. Great wines are aged for years before bottling.

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15
Q

What method is used to make Rose wine in Loire?

A

By direct press or Saignee method.

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16
Q

How is sweetness attained in off-dry Rose from Anjou-Saumur?

A

Fermentation is halted by chilling.

17
Q

How is red wine made in Loire?

A

Destemmed grapes are macerated for 1 - 4 weeks depending on style required.Fermented in vats or oak barrels. MLC is used to soften acidity and add mouthfeel. Some carbonic maceration of Gamay.

18
Q

Is chaptalisation permitted for red wines in Loire?

A

In certain AOCs only.

19
Q

How are sparkling wines made in Loire?

A

Mainly by Methode Traditionelle.

20
Q

What does “Fines Bulles” represent in Loire Valley?

A

It translates as “fine bubbles” and is used to represent all of the sparkling wines of Loire (petillant, cremant, mousseux).

21
Q

How much of Total production in Loire is from AOCs? IGPs? Vin sans IGP?

A

AOCs -83.5%;
IGP - 9%;
Vins sans IGP - 7.5%.