Loire Valley Classification System

Question 1

Does the Loire Valley have a unified classification system like Bordeaux or Burgundy?

Answer 1

No, it’s based on individual AOCs

Question 2

What are the key regions within the Loire Valley?

Answer 2

Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, Central Vineyards

Question 3

What is the highest quality designation in the Loire?

Answer 3

AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)

Question 4

What does ‘Grand Cru’ mean in the Loire?

Answer 4

Only Quarts de Chaume has Grand Cru status (sweet wine)

Question 5

Which Loire wines may be labeled ‘Cru Communal’?

Answer 5

Muscadet from high-quality villages like Clisson or Gorges

Question 6

What is the difference between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?

Answer 6

Both are Sauvignon Blanc AOCs in the Central Vineyards

Question 7

Is ‘Vouvray’ a grape or an AOC?

Answer 7

It’s an AOC in Touraine; wines are made from Chenin Blanc

Question 8

What are the Loire’s common wine styles?

Answer 8

Dry whites, sweet whites, sparkling, rosé, light reds

Question 9

What does ‘Sec’, ‘Demi-Sec’, and ‘Moelleux’ refer to in Vouvray?

Answer 9

Dryness/sweetness levels in Chenin Blanc wines