Where does the Loire River originate, and what does it empty into?
Origin: Massif Central
Empties into: Atlantic Ocean
ICYMI: the Massif Central is an area in south-central France consisting of mountains and high-elevation plateaus.
TRUE or FALSE:
The Loire Valley has the same climate, soil, and grape varietals from end to end.
False
The Loire Valley is incredibly diverse, from soil to climate to grapes to styles.
What are the 4 regions of the Loire Valley from west to east?
- Pays Nantais
- Anjou-Saumur
- Touraine
- Central Vineyards
Pays Nantais is located:
- just north of Paris
- on the Atlantic Coast
- on the Pacific Coast
On the Atlantic Coast
What is the climate of Pays Nantais?
Cool, wet maritime (because it’s on the Atlantic Coast)
What are the soils of Pays Nantais?
Gravel + sand over schist + granite
What is the white grape of Pays Nantais?
Melon de Bourgogne
What style of wine does Melon de Bourgogne make in Pays Nantais?
Still, dry white wines
What are the 2 most important Muscadet appellations in Pays Nantais?
- Muscadet
- Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine AOP
What winemaking technique do winemakers use for Muscadet and Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine?
Why?
Lees aging
In the cool, wet maritime climate Melon de Bourgogne grapes struggle to ripen; aging wines sur lie adds complexity, richness, and flavor to an otherwise thin, mild wine.
Anjou-Saumur is located to the:
- east
- west
of Pays Nantais?
East
Remember: Pays Nantais is furthest west on the Atlantic coast.
What is the climate of Anjou-Saumur?
Maritime/continental and humid
More maritime in western part, becomes more continental in eastern part (as you move inland).
What are the white and red grapes of Anjou-Saumur?
White: Chenin Blanc
Red: Cabernet Franc
What are some traits to know about Chenin Blanc from Anjou-Saumur?
- prone to oxidation (develops nutty flavors)
- always has Med+ to High acidity
- versatile with foods due to its acidity
What are some traits to know about Cabernet Franc from Anjou-Saumur?
- medium body
- bright, underripe red fruit
- green bell pepper notes
Name 5 AOPs of Anjou-Saumur.
- Anjou-Villages AOP (dry red wine ONLY)
- Saumur AOP (red, white, sparkling)
- Savennières AOP (dry white wine ONLY)
- Bonnezeaux AOP (sweet white wine ONLY)
- Quarts-de-Chaume AOP (sweet white wine ONLY)
What is the one style of wine allowed to be made in Anjou-VIllages AOP?
Still, dry, red wine ONLY made from Cab Franc
What are the styles of wine allowed to be made in Saumur AOP?
- White
- Red
- Sparkling - and lots of it!
What is the main grape that goes into Saumur AOP sparkling wines?
Chenin Blanc
What is the one style of wine allowed to be made in Savennières AOP?
Dry, still white wines ONLY made from Chenin Blanc.
On what side of the Loire River is Savennières AOP located and what is that significance?
Savennières AOP is located on the north side of the Loire River which means its vineyards face south, capturing loads of sunlight.
Are the vineyards of Savennières AOP on flat land or steep hills?
Steep hills
These steep, southern-facing hills help mature the grapes due to their aspect towards the sun.
What are the 2 sweet wine AOPs located south of the Loire River?
- Bonnezeaux AOP
- Quarts-de-Chaume AOP
Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts-de-Chaume AOP are actually located on the banks of which river (which flows south of the Loire River)?
Layon River
What makes the wines sweet in Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts-de-Chaume AOP?
Botrytis, aka noble rot
Why is botrytis prevalent in Bonnezeaux AOP and Quarts-de-Chaume AOP?
Both AOPs are humid due to moisture generated by and their proximity to the Loire and Layon Rivers.
Touraine is located:
- east
- west
of Anjou-Saumur?
East
Or, further inland
What is the climate of Touraine?
Continental
What are the soils of Touraine?
Tuffeau (soft limestone)
What are tuffeau soils made of?
Soft limestone
What are the grapes of Touraine?
White: Chenin Blanc
Red: Cabernet Franc
Name 3 AOPs of Touraine.
- Chinon AOP (dry red wines)
- Bourgueil AOP (dry red wines)
- Vouvray AOP (all styles made from Chenin Blanc)
What are the similarities and differences between Chinon AOP and Bourgueil AOP?
Similarities
- both made from Cab Franc
- both made in dry, still style
Difference
- Chinon on SOUTH side of Loire River
- Bourgueil on NORTH side of Loire River
Vouvray is located on the _____ side of the Loire River.
North
What are the soils of Vouvray?
Tuffeau (soft limestone)
What is the only grape allowed in Vouvray?
Chenin Blanc
What styles of wine are allowed to be made in Vouvray?
All sytles:
- Dry, still whites
- Off-dry, still whites
- Sweet, still whites
- Sparkling whites of all dryness/sweetness levels
Sweet wines in Vouvray can be labeled as _____.
Moelleux (pronounced mwah-luh)
Is the Central Vineyards region located furthest west or furthest east in the Loire Valley?
Furthest east (most inland)
What is the climate of the Central Vineyards region?
Continental
What are the soils of Central Vineyards?
- Silex, limestone
- Kimmeridgian clay
What is silex soil also known as, and in which of the four major Loire regions will you find it?
Flint, found in Central Vineyards (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé)
What are the grapes grown in Central Vineyards?
White: Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Pinot Noir
What are the 2 most important AOPs of Central Vineyards?
- Sancerre AOP (dry red + white wines)
- Pouilly-Fumé AOP (dry white wines ONLY)
Sancerre AOP and Pouilly-Fumé AOP both make dry white wines from the ______ grape.
Sauvignon Blanc
Which red grape is allowed in Sancerre AOP?
Pinot Noir
Sancerre is on the ______ bank of the Loire River.
Pouilly-Fumé is on the ______ bank of the Loire River.
Sancerre: western bank
Pouilly-Fumé: eastern bank
