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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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Name the four regions that make up The Loire Valley. Describe their climates and soils. |
Central Vineyards - continental climate, chalky well-drained soils Touraine - wetter, clay soils Anjou-Saumur - warmer, protected by the Mauges Hills, warm stony soils Nantais - maritime climate |
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What is the generic IGP for the region called? |
Val de Loire |
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Describe the kind of hazards the region faces due to its cooler climate. |
The vintages may not be consistent and can be affected by the weather year on year High rainfall leads to fungal diseases |
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List the three most impotant white grape varieties in The Loire. |
Sauvignon Blanc Chenin Blanc Melon Blanc (aka Muscadet) |
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Where is the majority of Sauvignon Blanc grown |
Touraine - majority of production is here. Simple, crisp fruity style.
Central Vineyards - more prestigious : Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre; more moderately priced: Menetou-Salon
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Describe the style of Sauvignon Blanc most likely found in the Central Vineyards. |
Gentle pneumatic pressing and temperature controlled vats make fresh, fruity wines MLF is likely encouraged in cooler vintages in order to lower acidity levels Some producers ferment/mature in oak Some keep their wine on the lees Some use new oak Dry, high acidity, green fruit and wet stone notes as well as smoky notes in Pouilly-Fumé |
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Describe the Chenin Blanc grape variety |
1. High acid, non-aromatic variety 2. Peculiarity = even within one bunch it is common for grapes to reach different levels of ripeness (care must be taken during harvest) 3. Different styles = dry or sweet, still or sparkling Sparkling made from fruit that has not ripened too much and can only reach 10-11% abv Still is made from riper grapes 4. Flavours include = green apple or tropical fruit, apricot & citrus peel from noble rot 5. Dry and sweet can age for decades |
5 main points |
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List the top regions for Chenin Blanc production. Describe wine style in each region. |
1. Vouvray - still and sparkling; dry to lusciously sweet. Light/med body, fresh fruity and floral notes 2. Saumur - sparkling made using traditional method 3. Anjou - dry wines, often matured in oak 4. Savenierres - warmer, dryer climate than Touraine. Air circulation impedes the development of noble rot but allows for late harvest grapes. Full-bodied, dry, complex style. The best can evolve decades in bottle. 5. Coteaux de Layon - Sheltered valley of the River Layon where noble rot develops well. Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux have their own appellations and rank high in the world of sweet wines. |
5 regions plus two extra special appellations |
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Explain why Melon Blanc is well suited to a cold climate. |
It ripens early It is frost resistant |
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In Nantais, name the appellation that covers the widest area and then name the appellation that is more highly regarded and has the most production of Melon Blanc. Describe the style of these wines. |
Muscadet AC Muscadet Sevre et Maine Light body, medium alcohol (no more than 12% abv permitted), high acidity, subtle green fruit flavours |
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Name a speciality of the area of Muscadet |
Muscadet (Sèvre et Maine) Sur Lie Wine is bottled in the spring following the vintage after spending the winter on its lees The wine is handled very little, to retain delicacy and freshness |
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Name the top red grape varieties found in The Loire |
Cabernet Franc Gamay To a lesser extent: Pinot Noir Grolleau Cabernet Sauvignon |
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Describe how Cabernet Franc is well suited to a cool climate |
Flowers early Ripens early |
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Name the top appellations for Cabernet Franc production in Touraine. Describe the style of wines. |
Chinon (south) Bourgueil (north)
Sandy soils = light, fruity, early drinking Limestone, clay soils with south-facing aspects = full bodied, more tannins, some matured in oak
The best can evolve in the bottle for many years |
Soils... |
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Describe the style of Cabernet Franc found in Saumur-Champigny. |
Lighter in body and tannins than those found in Touraine Display juicy berry fruit and floral notes The majority: best drunk young; can be served chilled |
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Describe how rosé wine are made in The Loire region. |
Must be made either by direct pressing or short maceration on the skins Usually fermented in inert, temperature controlled vessels |
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Rosé wines are mainly made in Anjou-Saumur. Name the different styles of rosé wines from this region. |
Rosé de Loire - always dry, must have minimum 30% Cabernet Franc and/our Cabernet Sauvignon in blend Cabernet d'Anjou - higher quality, medium-sweet style, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blend Rosé d'Anjoy - less sweet, Grolleau and Cabernet Franc blend (plus other local varieties) |
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Describe the rosé wines made in Sancerre |
Made from Pinot Noir variety Pale in colour, light in body, dry, delicate fruit flavours |
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