FRANCE / LOIRE VALLEY - Anjou-Saumur

Question 1

Where is Anjou-Saumur located?

Answer 1

Eastward of Nantais, centered around the city of Angers

Question 2

What geographic features influence the viticulture in Anjou-Saumur?

Answer 2

• R.Loire and its tributaries - Layon & Aubance
• Massif de Mauges - shelter from SW winds

Question 3

What is the primary grape variety used for still wines in Anjou-Saumur?

Answer 3

Chenin
Cabernet Franc

Question 4

What are the two important soil profiles in Anjou?

Answer 4

• Anjou Noir: Dark schist and slate soils
• Anjou Blanc: tuffeau clay-limestone soil

Question 5

What grape varieties are primarily used for red wine in Anjou?

Answer 5

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pineau d’Anuis
• Grolleau

Question 6

What are the main methods for producing rosé in Anjou?

Answer 6

• Direct press method1
• Saignée method2

1: Whole grape clustered pressed → skins are fermented alongside juice
2: maceration of skins for a short time → deeper color → fermentation without skins

Question 7

What is the main grape used for white and rosé sparkling wines in Anjou?

Answer 7

Cabernet Franc and Chenin

Question 8

What does the Anjou AOC cover?

Answer 8

The entire Anjou-Saumur region

Question 9

What is the focus of the Anjou-Villages AOC?

Answer 9

Reds only appellation, allows Cab.F blending with Cab.S

Question 10

What is allowed under Savennières AOC?

Answer 10

Produces whites from 100% Chenin

Question 11

What are the 3 producing communes of Savennières?

Answer 11

• Savennières
• Bouchemaine
• la Possonnière

Question 12

What are the two sub-AOCs of Savennières?

Answer 12

• Savennières Roche Aux Moines AOC
• Coulée de Serrant AOC

Question 13

What is the primary style of wine produced in Coteaux du Layon?

Answer 13

Exclusively sweet wines from 100% Chenin

Question 14

What are the 2 style of sweets under Coteaux du Layon?

Answer 14

• Sélection de Grains Nobles (labelled SGN): if botrytised
• Passerillage

Question 15

Where is a 1er cru and G.C. of Loire?

Answer 15

In Coteaux du Layon (Anjou-Saumur):
* Chaume 1er
* Quarts de Chaume G.C.

Question 16

What is the sugar requirement for 1er Chaume?

Answer 16

Min. 80g/L

Question 17

What are the minimum sugar requirements for Bonnezeaux AOC?

Answer 17

51g/L sugar

Question 18

What is the minimum sugar requirement for Quarts de Chaume?

Answer 18

85g/L

Question 19

What defines the Saumur AOC?

Answer 19

Allows dry whites from 100% Chenin; reds; rosé and sparkling

Question 20

Can Saumur blend its wine?

Answer 20

No for white,
Yes for red, max. 15% CabS

Question 21

What is the main soil type found in Saumur-Champigny AOC?

Answer 21

Chalky tuffeau limestone; rich in iron

Question 22

What wine is allowed under Saumur-Champigny AOC

Answer 22

Red only, from Cab.F (max. 15% CabS if blended)