Loire Valley

Question 1

What is the geographical latitude of the Loire Valley?

Answer 1

47ºN

Question 2

How long is the Loire River?

Answer 2

400 km

Question 3

What is the length of the Loire Valley?

Answer 3

280 km

Question 4

What is the growing degree days (GDD) for the Loire Valley?

Answer 4

1300 GDD

Question 5

What are the main 5grape varieties in the Pay Nantais?

Answer 5

• Melon
• Chardonnay
• Gamay
• Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)
• Cabernet Franc

Question 6

What is the climate like in the Loire Valley?

Answer 6

Cool maritime climate with cool springs and warm humid summers

Question 7

What is a significant climatic risk during the growing season in the Loire Valley?

Answer 7

Threat of rain, especially at flowering and harvest time

Question 8

What is the only permitted variety for the Muscadet appellations?

Answer 8

Melon

Question 9

What is the characteristic of Muscadet wines?

Answer 9

High acidity, light body, low-medium alcohol, low aromatic intensity

Question 10

What does ‘Sur Lie’ refer to in Muscadet production?

Answer 10

Wines aged on their lees to add body and complexity

Question 11

When must Muscadet AOP not be on lees?

Answer 11

After July 31st

Question 12

What is the maximum yield for Muscadet AOP?

Answer 12

70 hl/ha

Question 13

What is a consequence of the 1991 frost in the Loire Valley?

Answer 13

Production dropped by 2/3rds, affecting exports to the UK

Question 14

Which grape variety is most planted in Anjou-Saumur?

Answer 14

Cabernet Franc

Question 15

What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc?

Answer 15

• Early budding
• Prone to powdery mildew and botrytis
• Ripens late
• Can be made in a range of styles

Question 16

What is the maximum yield for Anjou AOC red and white wines?

Answer 16

60 hl/ha

Question 17

What distinguishes Coteaux du Layon AOC?

Answer 17

Specializes in botrytised Chenin Blanc

Question 18

What is the maximum yield for Bonnezeaux AOP?

Answer 18

25 hl/ha

Question 19

What is Quarts de Chaume known for?

Answer 19

First Grand Cru in the Loire Valley (2019)

Question 20

What is the typical assemblage of Saumur Champigny?

Answer 20

At least 85% Cabernet Franc

Question 21

What is the primary grape for the Rosé de Loire?

Answer 21

Grolleau

Question 22

What is the maximum yield for Rosé d’Anjou?

Answer 22

65 hl/ha

Question 23

What is the main white variety in Touraine?

Answer 23

Sauvignon Blanc

Question 24

What are the 5 subzones of Touraine?

Answer 24

• Azay le Rideau
• Amboise
• Cheonceaux
• Oisly
• Mesland

Question 25

What is the maximum yield for Touraine Blanc?

Answer 25

65 hl/ha

Question 26

What is the winemaking approach for Chenin Blanc?

Answer 26

Fermented at cool to mid-range temperatures to preserve fruit character

Question 27

What type of fermentation is preferred for Cabernet Franc?

Answer 27

Wild yeast fermentation

Question 28

What is a common method for producing Loire rosés?

Answer 28

Direct press or short maceration

Question 29

What are the 5 main grape varieties used in Touraine?

Answer 29

* Cabernet Franc * Cabernet Sauvignon * Grolleau Noir * Gamay * Cot

Question 30

What is the maximum yield for Touraine Amboise?

Answer 30

55 hl/ha

Question 31

What is the minimum percentage of Chenin Blanc required for Vouvray AOC?

Answer 31

95%

Question 32

What is the maximum yield for Vouvray AOC?

Answer 32

52 hl/ha

Question 33

What types of Vouvray wines are produced?

Answer 33

* Dry * Demi-sec * Sweet

Question 34

How does the soil composition affect ripeness in Vouvray?

Answer 34

Further from the river, clay increases, creating cooler soils and inhibiting ripeness

Question 35

What are the three important red wine appellations in Touraine?

Answer 35

* Bourgueil * Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil * Chinon

Question 36

What grape varieties are primarily used in Bourgueil?

Answer 36

* Cabernet Franc * Up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 37

Which Touraine appellation is known for making the lightest style of red wine?

Answer 37

Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil

Question 38

What distinguishes Chinon's red wines?

Answer 38

Range from light and fruity to structured and powerful styles

Question 39

What soil types are common in all three Touraine appellations?

Answer 39

* Sand * Gravel * Clay-limestone

Question 40

Which region produces around twice as much wine as Touraine?

Answer 40

Anjou-Saumur

Question 41

What is the key grape variety in the Central Vineyards?

Answer 41

Sauvignon Blanc

Question 42

What is the typical climate of the Central Vineyards?

Answer 42

Continental with cold winters and warm summers

Question 43

What are the risks to vineyards in the Central Vineyards?

Answer 43

* Frosts * Summer hail storms

Question 44

What are the common flavor profiles of Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 44

* Grass * Bell pepper * Asparagus * Gooseberry * Grapefruit * Wet stones * Passionfruit

Question 45

What is the typical color and flavor profile of Pinot Noir in Central Vineyards?

Answer 45

Typically ruby in color, light to medium raspberry and strawberry fruit, high acidity

Question 46

What is the maximum yield for Sancerre whites?

Answer 46

65 hl/ha

Question 47

What are the notable soil types in Sancerre?

Answer 47

* Cailottes * Terres blanche * Silex

Question 48

What is unique about Pouilly Fumé compared to Sancerre?

Answer 48

Pouilly Fumé is on flatter land and is more prone to frost damage

Question 49

What types of wines does Reuilly AOC produce?

Answer 49

* Sauvignon Blanc * Pinot Noir * Rosé from Pinot Gris

Question 50

What percentage of wine is sold by negociants in the Loire?

Answer 50

50%

Question 51

Which channel is the largest for Loire wines?

Answer 51

Specialist wine retail and hospitality

Question 52

Who is a well-known advocate of organic and biodynamic production in the Loire Valley?

Answer 52

Nicolas Joly

Question 53

What is the total production of certified organic wine in the Loire Valley compared to the French average?

Answer 53

Below the French average