Loire Valley Pt 5 - Anjou-Saumur general Flashcards

1
Q

What areas does the Middle Loire viticultural sub-region comprise?

A

Anjou, the area around Angers and the Layon Valley;
Saumur - Around the city of Saumur;
Touraine - around the city of Tours.

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2
Q

Which two grapes dominate plantings in Anjou-Saumur?

A

Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc

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3
Q

What is the climate of Anjou-Saumur?

A

It has a maritime climate in the west and becomes more continental going further east away from the ocean.

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4
Q

How does the dual climate influence the vineyards?

A

They are impacted by the Atlantic winds, however this decline with increasing distance from the sea. Also the seasonal continentality increases further inland.

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5
Q

How does the climate of Anjou-Saumur compare to the Pays Nantais and Centre-Loire?

A

It is a little colder in winter and slightly warmer in summer compared to Pays Nantais. It is however more temperate than say Sancerre.

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6
Q

What is the typical character of grapes from this sub-region?

A

Like most northerly-clime grown grapes there is bright acidity in both red and white grapes. Reds grown on optimal sites with lower yield can produce rich wines with depth of flavour.

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7
Q

Which two geological worlds meet in this sub-region?

A

Paris Basin and Massif Amoricain.

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8
Q

What is “Black Anjou”?

A

This describes the soils to the west of Angers which are made up of dark schists and sandstone.

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9
Q

What is “White Anjou”?

A

This describes the soils to the east of Angers which are made up of white chalk known as Tuffeau.

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10
Q

Define and describe Tuffeau.

A

Its geological name is Turonian Chalk.
It is soft when underground but hardens on contact with air. It’s quarried caves are used to make and store wine.

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11
Q

What character does Tuffeau impart to wines grown on it?

A

Grapes grown on this calcium-rich soil produce wines with significant acidity. Grapes are perfect for sparkling wines of Saumur.

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12
Q

Where might fruit for lighter-bodied fruit-driven reds be grown?

A

On sandy pockets near the rivers.

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13
Q

What is “La Douceur Angevine”?

A

It describes an area south of Angers which has a climate which is not too hot nor too cold. Also known as the Goldilocks area.

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14
Q

What is the principal and other white grapes of Anjou-Saumur?

A

Chenin Blanc;
Also Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Orbois/Arbois

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15
Q

What is the principal and other red grapes of Anjou-Saumur?

A

Cabernet Franc and Grolleau Noir;
Also Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Merlot, Pineau d’Aunis and Cot (Malbec).

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16
Q

What is the principal and other rose grapes of Anjou-Saumur?

A

Grolleau Gris;
Sauvignon Gris in Haut-Poitou

17
Q

What is the main use of Grolleau Noir in Anjou?

A

It is the backbone of Rose d’Anjou blends, as well as Rose de Loire and sparkling wines.

18
Q

How much of Anjou-Saumur production is Rose? Red? Sparkling?

A

50% is rose;
20% is red;
19% sparkling;
11% sweet and dry white.

19
Q

What category of sparkling is produced under the Anjou and Saumur appellations?

A

Mousseux.

20
Q

Which grape are sweet wines made form?

A

Exclusively Chenin Blanc, which hang long on the vine or are affected by botrytis.

21
Q

Which style is becoming more popular from Anjou-Saumur?

A

Dry Chenin Blanc.

22
Q

Which two appellations cover the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine regions?

A

Cremant de Loire and Rose de Loire.

23
Q

When was Cremant de Loire awarded , for which styles and grapes?

A

Awarded in 1975 for Sparkling white and Rose.
White: (P) Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Orbois
Rose; (P) Grolleau Gris;
Red; (P) Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Grolleau, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir

24
Q

What % of production do large Cremant houses account for in the Middle Loire.

A

80%

25
Q

When was Rose de Loire awarded , for which styles and grapes?

A

Awarded in 1974 for Rose only.
Rose/Gris: Grolleau Gris;
Red: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau, Gamay, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir

26
Q

What is the only AOC stipulation for Rose De Loire?

A

There is no blending formula or production method. BUT the wine MUST be vinified dry.