Ch 18 - The Loire Valley Flashcards
What is distinct about the Loire Valley hierarchy system?
There is no generic appellation - instead there are four subregions the Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur and Nantais. There is an IGP - Val de Loire that covers the whole region. Tehse are typically straightforward wines displaying freshness, a light body and simple fruit flavours.
What is the climate in the Loire Valley?
Each subreagion is subject to different influences but overal it is a cool climate. The Central Vineyards have a continental climate as they are well inland, whereas the Nantais is coastal and has a maritime climate. Anjou is slightly warmer and drier despite being within proximity of the ocean. They are protected by the Magues hills and some have benefit of warm stony soils. Touraine, further inland, is cooler and wetter with clay soils.
What is one consideration to make when considering vintage in the Loire Valley?
The vineyards lie at the northern limit for the production of the grape varieties grown, and variations in the weather patterns from year to year can mean vintages differ widely.
What are the main hazards in the Loire? What can be done to reduce the impact of these hazards?
Fungal disease linked to high levels of rainfall can be a particular issue. As in other cool climates, the best vineyards are those withe the most sunshine and warmth. These are usually those with southerly aspects on the mid slope facing the river for extra heat and reflected light.
What are the dominant white grapes in the Loire?
Sav Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon Blanc.
What regions are known for Sav Blanc in the Loire? What are two of the most prestigious appellations?
Central Vineyards and Touraine.
Central Vineyards has two of the most prestigious appellations: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
What features contribute to the wines made in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Vineyards are located on very chalky, well-drained stony soil.
What style of wines are made in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Tend to be dry, high in acidity with hints of green apple and wet stones. It is often said that Pouilly-Fumé wines have subtle smoky notes. Some villages have high reputations and can evolve in the bottle e.g. Les Monts Damnés and Chavignol, but most Sancerre and PF are not for ageing.
What kinds of winemaking techniques would you expect for Sav Blanc in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Gentle pneumatic pressing and temp controlled stainless steel vats used to create fresh, fruity wines. Certain produces ferment and mature in old oak vessels and keep wines on the lees to give broader texture. A few use new oak. Whether or not MLF takes place depends on style producer wants to create and is encouraged in cooler vintages to lower acidity of the wines.
Where else in the Loire is Sav Blanc produced and what is the most important appellation?
Also produced from the vineyards lying on the tributaries of the Loire. Most important appellation is Menetou-Salon - many moderately priced wines in same style as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
Where does the majority of Loire Sav Blanc come from and what is the difference between these wines and those from the more prestigious appellations?
From Touraine - the generic appellation. Wines may appear under Sauvignon de Touraine. Less concentration than more prestigious appellations and usually made in a simple fruity style.
What type of grape variety is Chenin Blanc?
High acid, non-aromatic grape variety.
What kinds of wines does it produce (quality) and what areas in the Loire are these produced in?
Responsible for te greatest white wines of Touraine and Anjou-Saumur.
What is one notable particularity with Chenin Blanc? What impact does this have in the vineyard?
It is common for grapes to reach different levels of ripeness within the same bunch. Therefore can result in green, herbaceous aromas if care is not taken to exclude unripe grapes during harvest - may have to make several passes through the vineyard to ensure grapes picked at desired ripeness level.
What type of wines are made with Chenin Blanc in the Loire (dryness)? What impacts the style?
Dry, sweet, still or sparkling. Greatly impacted by degree of ripeness achieved at time of picking. Barely ripe grapes with only enough sugar for 10% alcohol will be used for sparkling while the dry, medium and sweet styles of still reflect use of increasingly ripe berries including those shrivelled by the sun or affected by noble rot. Recent years have seen riper berries used for dry wines giving higher alcohol with a few grams of residual sugar.
What characteristics would you expect of a young Chenin Blanc?
Flavours varying from fresh apple through to tropical fruit depending on ripeness of grapes. Dry wines may have a steely, smoky character and sweets have apricot and citrus peel from noble rot.
