Loire Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the location of the Loire?
1000km from Massif Central to Atlantic, emptying into the Bay of Biscay. It is N of Bordeaux, S of Normandy, E of Atlantic and W/SW of Bourgogne.
What was the Dutch impact on the Loire wine industry?
In the 1600s, Loire supplied wine to England and the United Provinces of the Netherlands. Dutch traders encouraged planting of white cultivars like Folle Blanche for brandewijn production.
How does the Loire river affect winemaking and wine transport?
The strong current allows river traffic only downriver. Low water levels necessitate flat-bottomed boats. The river warms the vineyards and tributaries create favourable mesoclimates.
What are the major tributaries of the Loire?
The Cher River affects Vouvray and Chinon; Sèvre and Maine Rivers are crucial for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine; Aubance affects Coteaux de L’Aubance; Layon creates conditions for botrytis wines.
The climate and main grapes of the Pays Nantais (Lower Loire)?
Maritime climate with Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Gris (for sweet wine), and Gamay.
What is the climate of Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine (Middle Loire)?
Maritime climate with continental influences.
What is the climate of Centre-Loire and Upper-Loire?
Continental climate.
What are the major soil types in Pays Nantais and Anjou-Saumur?
Part of Massif Armoricain, soils of gneiss and mica schist transitioning to tuffeau.
What are the soil types in Touraine?
Touraine soils are tuffeau, clay, limestone, sands, and gravels;
What are the soil types in Centre-Loire?
Centre-Loire soils are Portlandian and Kimmeridgian marl, flint, clay with flint, and sand and gravel.
What are the soil types in Upper-Loire?
Part of the Massif Central, soils are a mix of sedimentary and volcanic elements.
What are the primary grape varieties grown in Anjou and Saumur?
Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Grolleau.
What grape variety is primarily grown for Muscadet wines?
Melon de Bourgogne.
What are the major wine styles of the Loire?
Dry white, sweet white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines.
What are the principal dry white AOCs in the Loire?
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC, Sancerre AOC, Pouilly-Fumé AOC, Savennières AOC, Touraine AOC.
What grape is mainly used for sweet white wines in the Loire?
Chenin Blanc.
What are the main rosé AOCs in the Loire?
Cabernet d’Anjou AOC, Rosé d’Anjou AOC, Rosé de Loire AOC, Touraine Noble Joué AOC, Saumur AOC.
What are the main red AOCs in the Loire?
Chinon AOC, Bourgueil AOC, Saint Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC, Saumur-Champigny AOC, Saumur AOC.
What is the method used for producing sparkling wines in the Loire?
Mostly through the méthode traditionnelle.
What are the definitions of residual sugar levels in sparkling wines?
Sec = under 0.4% RS; Demi-sec = 0.4-1.2% RS; Moelleux = 1.2-4.5% RS; Doux = 4.5% + RS.
What is the effect of botrytis on grapes?
Botrytis penetrates the grape skin, desiccates the berry, and concentrates sugars and flavors. It requires cool, moist nights and warm, dry afternoons.
Which AOCs produce botrytis wines?
Coteaux du Layon AOC, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC, Bonnezeaux AOC, Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire AOC, Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC, Savennières Roche aux Moines AOC.
What are the specific characteristics of Muscadet AOC?
wine is made from Melon de Bourgogne (small amount of Chardonnay permitted), no ‘sur lie’ allowed.
What are the main grapes in Anjou AOC?
Mainly Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
