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97 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
what is loire valley climate. From east to west
continental -- semicontinental -- maritime
what is loire valley soil .. East to west
clay and flint -- tuffeau -- schist -- granite
list 4 major loire valley varieties
sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, melon de bourgogne (muscadet), cabernet franc
what are alsaces noble grapes
riesling
gewurztraminer
pinot gris
muscat
Name the 4 major regions of the loire valley west to east
Pays Nantais
Anjou - Saumar
Touraine
Central vineyards
what characteristics does Muscadet have that contribute being perfect to pays Nantais?
frost resistant, early ripening hat adapts well to a wet climate
What soil is predominant in Anjou - Saumar
Tuffeau
What is the difference between Tufa and Tuffeau soils
Tufa is volcanic soil
Tuffeau is chalk exposed to volcanic activity
Cour-Cheverny is dedicated to what grape
Romoranin - nearly extinct
What is chenin blanc called locally in the loire
Pineau
What are the loires 4 major red wine areas
Bourgueil, St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Chinon, Saumur Champigny
What type of wine from what grape is orleans known for?
Rose, from pinot meunier called gris meunier
Name and explain 3 different soils in sancerre
Terres blanches (white Earth) marl with comma shaped fossils as chablis

Caillottes (little stones) rubbly limestone and silex

flint formed from silica - dead seaweed and sea animals
what happened in 1962 in Alsace
AOC status awarded.
describe the climate of Alsace
Protected from Atlantic influence by Vosges Mountains (Rainshadow Effect). Bordered by Rhine River to the east. Warm dry summers, and long, dry autumns. Long, cool growing season with extended sunshine, especially on hillsides. Best vineyards tend to have a south or southeastern exposure. Average rainfall is among the lowest in France. Drought can be a problem. Autumn humidity for Vendage Tardive wines.
describe the soil type of alsace
Extraordinarily complex. There are at least 20 major soil formations here. The higher, steeper slopes of the Vosges have thin topsoils, with subsoils of weathered gneiss, granite, sandstone, schist, and volcanic sediments. The gentler, lower slopes, derived from the Rhine riverbed, have deeper topsoils over subsoils of clay, marl, limestone, and sandstone. One of the most important subsoils is the pink grès de Vosges, a Vosges sandstone. The plains have rich and fertile alluvial soils
what are yields like in Alsace
• High max yields (80 hl/ha regular and 66 hl/ha – 55 hl base plus 11 hl PLC – Grand Cru). These are the highest in France
what no grand cru varietals are there in Alsace
Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc (aka Clevner or Klevner), Pinot Noir, and to a lesser extent Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin Rosé), Chasselas (aka Gutedel), and Auxerrois. Chardonnay is not officially permitted, but is tolerated, especially when mislabeled as Pinot Blanc or used in Crémant d’Alsace.
Cremant d’Alsace AOC
Traditional Method is mandatory
The usual white grapes plus Chardonnay
PN is allowed too … and there are miniscule amounts of rose Cremants from PN
what is a Foudres
large, tartrate encrusted oak barrels of varying size.
when you see the words “Edelzwicker” or “Gentil” what does it refer too
• Blends of varietals or field blends
what is• Auxerrois
so much like Pinot Blanc, if you blend the two, you can label it simply as Pinot Blanc.
how is Alsace divided
Can be divided into three parts longitudinally.
• The plain is that of the Rhine Valley, together with its tributaries, chief of which is the River Ill. Fertile land unsuitable for the vine.
• Bas-Rhin: Northern end, slightly cooler and wetter, with less protection afforded by the Vosges. Lower proportions of the high-quality grapes are planted here. Individual vineyard sites are extremely important here to ensure full ripeness.
• Haut-Rhin: Southern (and better) section. Most of the producers are located here.
what are the 3 appellations in Alsace
• Crémant d’Alsace: Use of Méthode Traditionelle with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Auxerrois, and the only permitted use of Chardonnay in an AC Alsace wine. Minimum of 9 months sur lie. Only Pinot Noir allowed for rosé.
• AC Alsace Grand Cru: Only Grand Cru varietals. 66 hl/ha. The Grand Cru system has been rejected by some landholders in Grand Cru sites. Terms such as ‘Réserve Personelle’ and ‘Cuvée Tradition’ are often used for wines produced from these sites. Schlossberg was the first Grand Cru.
• AC Alsace: Min alc 8.5º. 80 hl/ha. Riesling, Tokay-Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat. Others include Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and to a lesser extent Klevener, Chasselas, and Auxerrois.
• Also, AC Alsace Klevener de Heiligenstein: A wine made from a strain of Savagnin Rosé, a native Jura grape. This is the only village appellation, and the only grape confined by law to a village.
• Vendages Tardives means?
Higher natural must weights. Chaptalization is forbidden. Can be dry or medium sweet. Intention to make this wine must be declared in advance and supervised by the authorities. Only from the big 4 grapes. Far less consistent than SGN wines, as some producers just make wines with grapes of the correct minimum sugar levels, instead of actually harvesting them later than other grapes.
○ Muscat, Riesling: Min 235 g/l sugar, 12.9º alcohol. Min must weight: 110º Oechsle.
○ Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer: Min 257 g/l sugar, 14.3º alcohol. Min must weight: 120º Oechsle
• Seléction des Grains Nobles means?
Even higher natural must weights. Almost always botrytis-influenced. Only produced in exceptional years. Very sweet, with minimum R.S. levels. Intention to make this wine must be declared in advance and supervised by the authorities. Same rules as Vendages Tardives (e.g. chaptalization is forbidden), but with stricter regulations and higher minimums.
○ Muscat, Riesling: Min 276 g/l sugar, 15.1º alcohol.
○ Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer: Min 306 g/l sugar, 16.4º alcohol.
• Gestion Locale
Local control committees. Can require lower yields, higher alcohol, etc. for their particular region vs. AC Alsace. Cannot, however, enact lower quality standards than AC Alsace, e.g. higher yields, lower alcohol, etc.
La Lorraine
Alsace Satelite
There is one AC wine and one VDQS wine. Both of these areas were reduced to minor importance by phylloxera, competition, and war.
• Côtes du Toul AC: Light red wines from Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Gamay. Aubin and Auxerrois for whites. All grapes for vin gris.
• Moselle VDQS: Lightweight white wines from Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, and Müller-Thurgau. Rosé from Gewurztraminer. Reds from Gamay (max 30%), Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.
what happened in 1975 Alsace
Alsace Grand Cru AOC
Given in recognition to better slopes (51)
Yield is now limited to 60 hl/ha
Used to be restricted to:
Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Riesling
Now can be produced from other varieties and can be a blend
Higher must weights and minimum alcohol levels must be met for Grand Cru wines
Many producers spurn the Grand Cru and use proprietary names instead e.g. Cuvée Frédéric Emile or Clos Ste. Hune
What are the 2 types of Muscat planted in Alsace
Muscat d’Alsace (Muscat Blancs á Petits Grains) and Muscat Ottonel
what was Once described by Hugh Johnson as local tap-wine in alsace
Sylvaner
what is the backbone of most Edelzwicker or Gentil blends
Chasselas
what latitude does Loire fall between
47 and 48 degrees
Crémant de Loire AOC
Probably the most underrated of all the Loire’s sparkling wines, but has the greatest potential due to blending between the areas of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine for appropriate varietals.
Sparkling White: Dry to semi-sweet, light- to medium-bodied wines are normally a blend of Chenin Blanc with Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Surprisingly Pinot Noir, although permitted, is not widely used in sparkling. Permitted varieties include: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Arbois, Grolleau Noir, and Grolleau Gris.
Sparkling Rosé: Best are brut, and usually contain a high proportion of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau Noir. Same permitted varietals as white.
Rosé de Loire AOC
Dry rosé introduced in 1974 to exploit the international success of Rosé d’Anjou. Mostly disappointing wines, although there are exceptions. Dry, light- to medium-bodied rosé from Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grolleau, and min. 30% Cab Franc and Cab Sauvignon
Pay Nantais
Western coastal section of the Loire. Occupies parts of the Loire-Atlantique and the Maine-et-Loire départements.
Fresh, light, crisp, and fairly neutral fruit. Yeasty note for sur lie wines. 58% white; Muscadet accounts for 25% of the entire Loire’s harvest.
Climate: Mild, damp, temperate climate – not too severe. Summers are warm and sunny, but often rainy. Winters can be harsh. Important tributaries include Allier, Cher, Indre, Creuse, Maine, Sèvre Nantaise.
Soil Type(s): Best soils are light and stony. Some sand, clay, and gravel. Granite-based subsoil. Soils provide good drainage, which is essential here.
Practices and Special Issues:
• Gobelet pruning is traditional. Newer vineyards are trained on wires for machine picking.
• Melon de Bourgogne is an early-ripening, relatively neutral variety, frost-resistant and adapts well to damp conditions. Traditionally harvested very early, but at the expense of a lack of fruit development in the grapes. Given the weather, it is a significant risk to wait and pick riper grapes.
Varietal(s): Melon de Bourgogne (aka Gamay Blanc), Folle Blanche, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Gamay de Chaudenay, Gamay de Bouze, Negrette, Pinot Noir, Groslot Gris, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc.
• Maximum allowed alcohol is 12º.
• High acidity is maintained.
• The extended lees contact can leave a faint prickle of natural carbonic gas in the wine, making it further refreshing
Muscadet AC
The basic appellation that covers the whole Muscadet area. These wines only account for 10% of the total production. Very ordinary and straight-forward wines. Max yield is 65 hl/ha.
Muscadet des Coteaux de la Loire AC
This is the most northern wine area on the French coast. Fairly simple wines. Can be the best of the Muscadets in very hot years. Less clay and more limestone soils
Muscadet Côtes de Grand Lieu AC
Given AC status in 1994. Previously represented 73% of the basic Muscadet appellation. Few wines merit the separate appellation.
Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine AC
Accounts for just 25% of the general appellation area, but 80% of production of Muscadet. One of the largest AOCs in France. About 45% of the wines are bottled sur lie. This area produces the richest Muscadet. Max yield is 55 hl/ha.
Muscadet Sur Lie AC
Since 1994 this term can only be applied to Muscadet from either Côteaux de la Loire, Côtes de Grandlieu, or Sèvre-et-Maine. Wines must remain in contact with the sediment over the winter. May not be bottled before the third week of March. Only one racking permitted – to remove the wine from its gross lees – is permitted; no filtering is allowed. Must be bottled directly off the fine lees before November 30th of the year after the harvest in the cellar in which the wine was made.
Anjou
West-central district with mostly left-bank vineyards. In-between Pays Nantais and Touraine. Vineyards lie almost entirely in the Maine-et-Loire département. Largest of the four main Loire regions. Often referred to as Anjou-Saumur, recognizing the important subregion of Saumur in the eastern part of the region.
Rosé represents as much as 45% of Anjou’s total wine output, although this is on the decline. 33% is red, and 22% is white
Climate: Gentle Atlantic influence with light rainfall, warm summers, and mild falls, but frost is a problem in Savennières. Humid climate with no real extremes.
Soil Type(s): Schist with a dark, shallow topsoil that stores heat well and helps ripen grapes. There are some colder clay areas that produce heavier wines. Schist soils in west, with limestone chalk and tufa in the east.
Practices and Special Issues: The effect of the fall sun on the dew-drenched, overripe grapes can encourage noble rot, particularly in Bonnezeaux and Quarts-de-Chaume.
Varietal(s): Chenin Blanc (many synonyms, but locally mostly known as Pineau de la Loire), Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau; Some Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pineau d’Aunis.
• Chenin Blanc is a particularly slow-ripening grape, often left on the vine until November, especially in the Coteaux du Layon
what is asserillage
Grapes without noble rot that are left on the vine, but cut off from the vine's metabolic system. The warmth of the day followed by the cold of the night causes the grapes to dehydrate and concentrate. common in Anjou
Anjou AC
Broad AC covering reds from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, and Pineau d’Aunis. Whites from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines are the best.
Anjou-Villages AC
Red wines from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Occupies 56 communes.
Anjou-Villages-Brissac AC
AC in 1998. Red wines from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Anjou-Gamay AC
AC in 1999. Reds and rosés from Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc.
Rosé d’Anjou AC
Off-dry to sweet rosés from Grolleau, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay Noir, Côt, and Pineau d’Aunis. Difference between this and Rosé de la Loire is the allowance of Côt, not allowing Pinot Noir, and is off-dry to sweet.
Rosé de la Loire AC
Dry rosés made mostly from Grolleau; also Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, and Pineau d’Aunis. Difference between this and Rosé d’Anjou is the allowance of Pinot Noir, not allowing Côt, and is dry.
Cabernet d’Anjou AC
Dry rosés made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet de Saumur AC
Anjou-Saumur
Dry to semi-dry rosés made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Savennières AC
Anjou-Saumur
This concentrates the wines on the four southeast-facing slopes of volcanic debris that produce the world’s greatest Chenin Blanc. Wines are now bone-dry to dry, and can be some of the world’s longest-lived dry white wines. The single best wine is considered Joly’s Clos de la Coulée de Serrant. Over past 15 years, some growers have resurrected the semi-sweet style that used to be popular in first half of the 20th century. Two grand crus:
• Coulée de Serrant is one of the few single estate ACs in France. It is comprised of 7 ha on a perfectly situated vineyard of slate and schist. Originally planted by the Cistercian monks around 1130. Has been a monopole of the Joly family of Château de la Roche-aux-Moines since the 1960s. Nicolas Joly has been in charge since 1977.
• Roche-aux-Moines is 17 ha and owned by three producers: Joly of Chateau de la Roche-aux-Moines, Pierre and Yves Soulez of Chateau de Chamboureau, and Madame Laroche of au Moines.
Coteaux du Layon AC
Anjou-Saumur
Semi-sweet to sweet, sometimes botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc-based wines. Several of the best villages are entitled to attach their names, e.g. Rochefort-sur-Loire. Max yield: 30 hl/ha. Min 12º alcohol. Coteaux du Layon (+village) max 30 hl/ha. There are 2 grand crus of the Coteaux du Layon. Both have maximum yields of 25 hl/ha, one of the lowest in France. Minimum R.S. of 34 g/l. Villages: Beaulieu, Rablay, St. Aubin, Faye, Rochefort, St. Lambert.
2 Grand Crus of the Coteaux du Layon
Bonnezeaux AOC
usually Botrytised - 230 g/l rs
Quarts-de-Chaume AOC
usually Passerillage - 17 hl/ha av.
22-25 hl/ha – some of the lowest yields in France
Soils are terraces of schist and sandstone
Sweet, long-lived Chenin
Excellent with Tart Tatin or Roquefort
Bonnezeaux AC
Anjou-Saumur
A Grand Cru of the Coteaux du Layon. Grown on three south-facing slopes of the commune of Thouarcé in the Coteaux du Layon. Minimum R.S. of 34 g/l. Intensely sweet, richer, and more full-bodied than Quarts-de-Chaume. Max yield 25 hl/ha. Black schist soils.
Quarts-de-Chaume AC
Anjou-Saumur
A Grand Cru of the Coteaux du Layon. Wines that are grown on the plateau behind the village of Chaume in the Coteaux du Layon commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire. Minimum R.S. of 34 g/l. Semi-sweet to sweet medium- to full-bodied wines. Because Quarts-de-Chaume is from a more northerly area, it is usually slightly lighter-bodied and a little less sweetness than Bonnezeaux. Max yield 25 hl/ha.
Chaume AC
Anjou-Saumur
As of 2006, a distinct appellation from AOC Coteaux du Layon. The region produces sweet white Chenin-based wines that are affected by passerillage. Max 25 hl/ha.
Coteaux de l’Aubance AC
Anjou-Saumur
Sweet Chenin Blanc-based wines. Wines are made from old vines grown on the schistous banks of Aubance River. Min. R.S. of 34 g/l.
Saumur AOC
An eastern subappellation of the Anjou. Its wines may be sold as Anjou, but not vice-versa. Saumur is the Loire’s sparkling wine center and France’s largest sparkling wine center outside of Champagne. The thin, tart Chenin Blanc grapes that do not develop sufficiently have the perfect acidity for sparkling wine. Chardonnay is sometimes mixed in the blend as well. Chalk-tufa soils around Saumur produce lighter wines (for sparkling wines), while the shale and gravel in Saumur-Champigny favors Cabernet Franc. Reds are from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pineau d’Aunis. Whites are from Chenin Blanc and a max of 20% Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Saumur-Champigny AOC
The vineyards southeast of Saumur that are entitled to add the village name of Champigny produce some of the best red wines in the Loire. The reds are dry, full-bodied wines with distinct raspberry and plummy notes made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pineau d’Aunis. Soils here are a harder limestone, and retain heat much better, and so produce much riper grapes.
Touraine
East of Anjou-Saumur, west of Le Centre. Most of its vineyards lie in the département of Indre-et-Loire.
Climate: Atlantic influence is a small factor, and the climate is less maritime than Nantes or Anjou-Saumur. Protected from northerly winds by the Côteaux du Loir (not a misspelling – this is a tributary of the Loire River). Warm summer, low October rainfall.
Soil Type(s):
• Clay and limestone over tufa subsoil around Vouvray and Mountlouis.
• Tufa is chalk boiled by volcanic action, and is full of minerals and retains water. Predominant soil in the area.
• Gravelly soils are prominent in the better areas for reds (i.e. Bourgueil and Chinon).
Varietal(s): Chenin Blanc, Cab Franc (aka Breton), Cab Sauvignon, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Romorantin, Pinot Noir.
Western section is known for reds, and eastern section is known for whites.
Touraine AC
A 5,000 ha catch-all AC covering whites from Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc, reds from Cabernet Franc and Gamay. Sold as varietal wines. Best known for Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay. Three sectors of the area can add their name to the appellation: Touraine-Amboise (Chenin Blanc and Cab Franc), Touraine-Mesland, and Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau.
• Touraine-Amboise AOC: AC declared in 1939. White: Chenin only. Red: Cab Franc, Cab, Côt, Gamay.
• Touraine-Azay Le Rideau AOC: AC declared in 1939. White: Chenin only. Red: Grolleau (min 60%), Cab Franc, Cab, Côt, Gamay.
• Touraine-Mesland AOC: AC declared in 1939. White: Chenin (min 60%), Chardonnay, Sauv. Blanc. Red: Cab Franc, Côt, Gamay.
Chinon AC
Touraine
One of the best reds of the Loire and made from Cabernet Franc. Very good wines come from the chalky, limestone slopes. Some rosé and a tiny amount of white wine is made from Chenin Blanc. Generally lighter and more delicate than those of Bourgueil.
Bourgueil AC
Touraine
Dry, medium-to-light-bodied reds. Better examples are deeper and more concentrated. Mostly gravel soils with some tuffeau on the higher slopes. Most Bourgueil is a blend of grapes from different soil types. Small amount of rosé. Cab Franc with up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
St.-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AC
Touraine
Mostly reds and a small amount of rosé. This is a small commune with its own appellation in the northwest commune of Bourgueil. The soil is sandier than that of Bourgueil and the wines are lighter but equal in terms of quality.
Vouvray AC
Touraine
Made from Chenin Blanc (technically may allow Arbois as well). Soil is largely siliceous clay or calcareous clay. The best terrains are known as the perruches, and consist of large amounts of flint. The second-best terrains are of aubuis, a purer limestone. Wines can range from dry (sec) to off-dry (demi-sec) to sweet (moelleux), depending on vintage. Sparkling wines are also made. Specific tuffeau soils are significant. Vouvray has many lieux-dits, and most are monopoles. There are 3 ACs here: Vouvray, Vouvray Mousseux, and Vouvray Pétillant.
Montlouis (-sur-Loire) AC
Touraine
This appellation was renamed Montlouis-sur-Loire from November 2003. White wines from Chenin Blanc that are similar to Vouvray. Three ACs: Montlouis, Montlouis Mousseux, Montlouis Pétillant.
‘The Loir’
Touraine
The Loir is a tributary to the Loire River. There are two important ACs:
● Jasnières AC: Dry Chenin Blanc wines from the best area of the Coteaux du Loir. In really hot years, can have a richness that even compares with Savennières.
● Coteaux du Loir AC: Similar to Jasnières (dry whites from Chenin), but also reds and rosés (from Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay, and Cab Franc) as well. Adjoins the Coteaux Vendomois commune.
Cheverny AC
Touraine
Reds, whites, and rosés. Upgraded to AC in 1993. Usually marketed as a varietal wine. Gamay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec for reds and rosés. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Arbois for whites.
Cour-Cheverny AC
Touraine
Unique white wine from the Romorantin grape.
Valencay AOC
Touraine
Promoted from VDQS to AOC in 2003. Reds from Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Pinot Noir. Whites from Sauvignon Blanc, Arbois, and Chardonnay.
Coteaux du Vendômois AOC
Touraine
AC declared in 2001. White: Chenin Blanc, max 20% Chardonnay. Red: Cab Franc, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir, Gamay.
Touraine-Noble Joué AOC
Touraine
AC declared in 2001. Gris: Pinot Noir. Red: Min 40% Pinot Meunier, min 10% Pinot Noir.
Le Centre
The most easterly vineyards of the Loire are situated in the center of France, chiefly in the départements of Cher, Nièvre, and Indre.
• Historically, this district was part of the Duchy of Burgundy, explaining the presence of Pinot Noir vines
Climate: More continental than areas closer to the sea. Summers are shorter and hotter and winters are longer and colder. Spring frosts and hail are particular hazards in Pouilly. Harvests are irregular.
Soil Type(s): Soils are dominated by clay or limestone, topped with gravel and flinty pebbles.
Practices and Special Issues: Some vineyards in Sancerre are very steep. Vines occupy the best sites on hills and plateaus.
Varietal(s): Sauvignon Blanc (aka Blanc Fumé), Pinot Noir. Also: Chasselas, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cab Franc, Chenin Blanc, Gam
• Traditionally inert oak casks and stainless steel. Some new oak is now creeping in (Didier Dagueneau
Smallest production of the main 4 regions of the Loire.
Sancerre AC
Le Centre
Best vineyards are on the series of southeast- and southwest-facing slopes. Vineyard area had almost tripled by the end of the 20th century. Increasing amounts of thin, washed-out wines. Several very good lieux-dits (Monts Damnés; Chêne Marchand). Best wines are piercingly dry, distinctive, and aromatic. Production is 20% red and rosé from Pinot Noir. Well-drained, chalky soil rich in marine fossils. Three main soil types have been identified, all of which are essentially weathered versions of Kimmeridgian limestone. Chlorosis can be a problem.
• Terres Blanches: clayey marl; very similar to Chablis soils
• Caillottes: rubbly limestone
• Silex: flint
Pouilly-Fumé AC
Le Centre
East bank of the Loire River. Similar soils to Sancerre, but with a slightly higher clay content. Very similar wines. Characteristic ‘gun flint’ aromas are supposed to be present in wines where grapes have been grown on Silex soils. Most wines are best within the first few years.
Menetou-Salon AC
Le Centre
High limestone content in soils. Developing a reputation as reliable alternative to Sancerre. Small amount of red and rosé from Pinot Noir.
Quincy AC
Le Centre
Whites only. Rustic and straightforward. These vineyards are planted on the left bank of the Cher and are situated on a gravelly plateau. The second winemaking area to receive AC status in France (after Châteauneuf-du-Pape). Similar to Pouilly-Fumé.
Reuilly AC
Le Centre
Rosés, reds, and whites. High lime content in the soil. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris for reds; Sauvignon Blanc for whites. Best known for crisp, dry, Sauvignon Blanc wines with high acidity.
Pouilly-sur-Loire AC
Le Centre
From the same area as Pouilly-Fumé, but made from Chasselas. Sauvignon Blanc is allowed for blending.
Coteaux du Giennois AC
Le Centre
AC in 1998. White: Sauvignon Blanc. Red: Gamay, Pinot Noir.
Pineau des Charentes AOC
THIS IS NOT OFFICIALLY IN THE LOIRE REGION. A vin de liqueur produced in the Cognac region, which is between the Loire and Bordeaux. White and rosé vin de liqueur styles that are often dull, oxidative, and rancio with age. Cognac is blended with the new grape juice within hours of grapes pressing to produce Pineau des Charentes. Grapes must be very ripe in order to obtain grape juice that is rich in natural sugars. Pineau des Charentes is the result of stopping the fermentation of the grape juice by adding Cognac which must be min. 1 year old. Pineau des Charentes must contain between 16.5% to 22% alcohol.
Orléans AC
Upgraded to AC status in 2006. Made an appellation in 2000, but a long history of viticulture. Reds from Pinot Meunier (min 60%), Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. Whites are from Chardonnay (min 60%), Pinot Gris. Rosés from Pinot Meunier (min 60%), Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. The best producer here by far is Montigny-Piel’s Clos Saint-Fiacre.
what is the longest river in france
Loire
what are the most important white varietals in loire
Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet)
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
what are the most important red varietals in loire
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grolleau (Groslot)
Pinot Noir
Gamay
explain about Muscadet – Melon de Bourgogne
Burgundian in origin - cousin of Chardonnay
Outlawed in the same fashion as Gamay during the 16th and 17th centuries
Became the dominant variety in the Nantes region due to the Dutch
Generally makes fairly straight-forward light-bodied dry wines
Really only grown in Nantes region
explain about Chenin Blanc a.k.a. Pineau de la Loire
Very versatile variety
Makes great dry, off-dry, sweet and sparkling wines in Anjou/Saumur
Ages well due to high acidity
Does particularly well on limestone soils
Botrytis affected wines can be stunning
Less ripe grapes are use for fizz
What is another name for cab franc in loire
Breton
what is another name for malbec in loire
Cot
what is anoher name for chenin blanc in loire
Pineau
explaine about Grolleau or Groslot
Produces very high yields of relatively thin acidic wines
Plantings are declining in favour
Being replaced by Gamay and Cabernet Franc
Mostly found in Anjou – used for rosé production
Côtes d’Auvergne VDQS
South of Saint-Pourçain and west of Côtes du Forez. Most remote region that still falls within the Loire region. Covers 53 communes. Some villages are superior and have the right to certain communal appellations. See Sotheby’s pg. 198. Reds are dry, light-bodied from Gamay and Pinot Noir, and the best are from the Chanturgues commune. Whites are dry and light-bodied from Chardonnay. Rosés are dry and light-bodied from Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Côtes du Forez AC
Similar to Beaujolais. Adjacent to Lyons, west of Mâcon. Upgraded from VDQS in 2000. Reds and rosés from Gamay. Good co-op here. Scattered among 21 communes.
Haut-Poitou VDQS
Varietally-labeled reds, whites, and rosés. High-quality VDQS. Sauvignon Blanc seems to be the best. Red: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc. White: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc.
St.-Pourçain VDQS
Vines planted by the Phoenicians. 19 communes southeast of the Bourges appellations of the Central Vineyards in the Allier département. West of the Côte d’Or. Ambitious growers. Reds are dry, light- to medium-bodied blends of Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay Teinturier (max 10%). Whites are dry, light- to medium-bodied blends of Tresallier (aka Sacy in Chablis; max 50%), Saint-Pierre-Doré (max 10%), Aligoté, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Rosés are crisp, light, and dry, from Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay Teinturier (max 10%).
what are some great loire red vintages
85, 89 90 95 96 02 03-99pt
what are some great loire white
85 88 89 90 95 96 00 02 03-maybe vintage of century for chenin