Wine Class May 18, 2015 French Connection X –

Loire Valley

Clifton Wine & Tasting Room

7145 Main St, Clifton,

VA703-266-

1607

Major Wine

Regions of France:1. Bordeaux2. Champagne3. Burgundy 4. Beaujolais5. Loire Valley6. Alsace7. Rhone8. Languedoc-

Roussillon9. Provence10.Southwest (~)11.Jura12.Savoy13.Corsica

Loire Valley Characteristics: “The Garden of France” -France’s 4th largest tourist destination (after {Paris, The French Riviera, and Provence); Largest white wine and 2nd largest sparkling wine area in France; 3rd overall in production including 70 Appellations (AOCs). Maritime to Continental climate, the Loire Valley runs 640 miles from Central France to the Atlantic. South of Normandy; North of Cognac. The Loire River is a major climate factor. The Loire is divided into three sub-areas: Lower (West or Pays Nantais); Middle (Anjou & Saumur/Touraine); and, Upper (East or Centre). Primary White grapes: Chenin Blanc; Sauvignon Blanc; Melon de Bourgongne (Muscadet); Others: Chardonnay; Pinot Gris; Folle BlanchePrimary Red grapes: Cabernet Franc (Breton); Pinot Noir; Others: Cabernet Sauvignon; Gamay; Malbec

Wine Producing in the Loire (And Key AOCs):Lower Loire (Pays Nantais): Maritime Climate; Primarily white wines. Many wines made in “Sur Lie” style. Key Grapes: Melon de Bourgogne. Key AOCs: Muscadet; Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Middle Loire (Anjou & Sumur/Touraine): Maritime climate with continental influences. Largest and most diverse wines on the Loire. Major sparkling wine production area. Key Grapes: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Blanc. Other grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Malbec, Gamay. Key AOCs: Anjou: Anjou Blanc and Rouge; Crémant de Loire; Savennières (White Age worthy wines) Saumur: Various Sparkling wines; Saumur Blanc. Touraine (Garden of France): Bourgueil (Red & Rosé); Chinon (Cab Franc & Chenin Blanc); Jasnière (Chenin Blanc); St. Nicolas de Bourgueil (Red, Rose); Touraine (Sav Blanc, Cab Franc); Vouvray (Chenin Blanc)

Upper Loire (Centre): Continental Climate, perhaps the Loire’s most famous wines. Smallest oft eh three subregions 80 miles south of Paris and 70 miles east of Burgundy. Key Grapes: Savignon Blanc; Pinot Noir Others: Pinot Gris and Gamay. Key AOCs: Menetou-Salon (Sav Blanc and Pinot Noir Rosé); Pouilly-Fumé (Sav Blanc); Quincy (Sav Blanc); Reuilly (Sav Blanc & Rosé); Sancerre Sav Blanc but also red and Rosé).

Sauvignon Blanc: Synonyms: Blanc Fumé; Fumé Blanc. Parent of Cab Sav. Very vigorous grape; early to mid ripening which makes distinctly aromatic wines with bracing acidity. Prefers sunny, cool climates. Aromas: Gunflint; herbs; hay; lemon-grass; grapefruit; melon; kiwi; pear; celery stick. Key growing areas: Loire; Bordeaux; Italy (Friuli); New Zealand (Best expressions of Sav Blanc!); California; Australia, Chile and S. Africa

Chenin Blanc: Synonyms: Steen (S. Africa). Sibling of Sav Blanc. Loire and S. African specialties making long-lived wines with varying degrees of acidity. Originated in Loire. Very adaptable grape; cold hardy. Aromas: Peach; Quince; Apricot; Apple; Pear fresh strw and toasted nuts. Key growing areas: Loire (All styles); S. Africa; California

Wines of Loire Valley (Part 1)

Loire Valley Wine Map

Lower (West) Middle

& Saumer

Upper (East) or Centre

French Wines “Background Information”

AOC/AOPs

IGP (formerly Vin de Pays. Geographic

based, Winemaking Rules)

Most restrictive

quality designation

Vins sans IG (wines without geographic indication

Formerly Table Wines)

AOC: Appellation d’Orgine ContrôléeAOP: Appellation d’Origine Protégée

Loire Valley Label Examples