Loire Valley Flashcards
In Vouvray, Chenin Blanc is used to make
Dry still wine, Medium still wine, Sparkling wine
What is the sweetest Rosé from the Loire?
Cabernet d’Anjou
What is the permitted white grape variety of Muscadet?
Melon Blanc
From which sub-region of the Loire does Savennières come from?
Anjou-Saumur
What is the dominant soil type off Loire Valley?
Limestone with chalk
Why does the soil in Loire Valley produce premium Sauvignon Blanc?
Chalky Limestone is a “cold” soil that will help maintain acidity, creating greater complexity and longevity. It is well-draining to give little water uptake. It is a “soft” soil that allows large root development creating greater complexity and density
Main weather hazard of Sancerre?
Severe Spring Frosts
How do burners and heaters help spring frosts?
Cause heat to rise, creating a greenhouse effect that will not allow the frost to settle
How do sprinklers help prevent Spring Frosts?
Through aspersion, latent heat is transferred to the buds from the water as it freezes over the bud, creating a protective layer around the bud. This is only possible with warmer than -3ºC
Key grape variety and characteristics of Muscat de Sevre et Maine sur lie
Muscadet (Melon Blanc) - light body, high acidity, low alcohol, green fruit, citrus fruit, can be petillant
Method of production and its effect on the style of wine for Muscat de Sevre et Maine sur lie
Sur Lie - on the lees winter maturation imparting more body and autolytic character; yeast, bread etc. Wines have more complexity and perhaps some petillance
Describe Mentor-Salon wine in SAT form
Appearance: Clear, pale lemon-green
Nose: Clean, M+ intensity, youthful with green fruit, citrus, herbaceous, mineral, flint
Palate: Dry, M+ acid, no tannin, M- alcohol, M- body, M+ flavor intensity, green fruit, citrus, herbaceous, mineral etc. M+ length
