1
Q
True or False ? In Loire, the ‘vin Gris’ style is legally regulated ?
A
- False
- This term, though not legally regulated, refers to very pale rosé wines. In Coteaux du Vendômois AOC, these wines are based on minimal skin contact with Pineau d’Aunis. In Reuilly AOC, vins gris experience a short maceration with Pinot Gris’ pink skins.
2
Q
Speaking of ‘Anjou Noir’, what do we refer to ?
A
- Old rocks form the basis of the soils of Muscadet and other appellations of the Nantais region and the western half of Anjou, including Savennières. the dark soils that characterize the Armorican Massif.
3
Q
Speaking of ‘Anjou Blanc’, what do we refer to ?
A
- The Anjou Blanc (White Anjou) marks the beginning of the Paris Basin, a low-lying area in northern France that was covered by the sea during the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods (67 to 195 million years ago). The more recent, shallow seas that receded to leave soils based on soft, chalky Cretaceous limestone are easily visible today in the houses, castles, and cellars of the lower Loire. These are the soils of eastern Anjou and Touraine.
- Further eastward, the Paris Basin continues to be the bedrock of the vineyards of the Central Vineyards, around Sancerre. The seas were deeper here, however, and these older soils (from the Jurassic period) are frequently characterized by the presence of tiny fossils. The Kimmeridgian clays found in Sancerre continue to the vineyards of Chablis. A fault runs through the town of Sancerre, adding complexity to the range of soils and defining the appellations of the Central Vineyards. These include islands of flint, for example around Saint-Andelain in Pouilly-Fumé.
4
Q
What is the star-varietal of Auvergne vineyard ?
A
- Gamay
5
Q
Name the two Loire rivers responsible for the autumn mists necessary for the development of botrytis in favorable years ?
A
- Loire & Layon
6
Q
Name a positive effect of climate change on the Loire vineyards ?
A
- The Loire was historically a region where grapes often failed to achieve full ripeness. Warmer temperatures and increased levels of photosynthesis have yielded better-quality wines, especially the reds.
7
Q
Name a negative effect of climate change on the Loire vineyards ?
A
- With higher temperatures early in the season, the vine’s growing cycle has shifted, so budbreak is earlier. As a result, when the spring frosts strike—as they have always done, to a greater or lesser extent—the vine is far more advanced than it would have been in years past and the losses more consequent.
- At the other end of the scale, heat and drought associated with climate change are problematic, especially in a region where irrigation is forbidden under AOC legislation. At temperatures much over 30 degrees Celsius, photosynthesis decreases, and eventually the vine shuts down and blocks maturation of the grapes. In 2022, early season drought and heat in May were followed by a heat wave and further drought in July, a situation that had never been seen before.
8
Q
What is the most planted varietal of Loire Valley AOP ?
A
- Cabernet Franc (15 950 ha – 25.1% plantings)
- Sauvignon Blanc (10 094 ha – 15,9% plantings)
- Chenin Blanc (9 540 ha – 15% plantings)
9
Q
True or False ? Quarts de Chaume AOP is a sweet wine only appellation.
A
- True
- Several producers have shifted from producing sweet wines because of financial pressure and are now making dry wines in the appellation of Quarts de Chaume. These wines cannot be labeled with the appellation name, however, as it is a designation for sweet wine only; instead they must be labeled as Anjou AOC Blanc or Vin de France.
10
Q
True or False ? Melon de Bourgogne is originaly from Bourgogne.
A
- True
- It originated in Burgundy, although it was rejected by its homeland many years ago. The variety has been planted in the Nantais since the 1600s, but for centuries it lived in the shadow of Folle Blanche because of the latter’s prolific production destined for eau-de-vie. Melon B was always recognized as a superior variety for making wine, however, and it is now the dominant variety. It is well-suited to this cool region because it can withstand low winter temperatures.
11
Q
What is the main varietal of Cour-Cheverny AOP ?
A
- Romorantin
- A cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc
12
Q
In loire Valley, What is the synonym of ‘Chenin Blanc’ ?
A
- Pineau de la Loire
13
Q
In loire Valley, What is the synonym of ‘ Folle Blanche’ ?
A
- Gros Plant
14
Q
In loire Valley, What is the synonym of ‘Cabernet Franc’ ?
A
- Breton
15
Q
In loire Valley, What is the synonym of ‘Chardonnay’ ?
A
- Auvernat
16
Q
In Loire Valley, What is the synonym of ‘Pinot Gris’ ?
A
- Malvoisie
17
Q
In loire Valley, What is the synonym of ‘Pineau d’Aunis’ ?
A
- Chenin Noir
18
Q
In which region in Loire can we find Hermine d’Or mentioned on a bottle ?
A
- Pays Nantais
- Muscadet sèvre et maine
19
Q
Which of the Crus Communaux in Muscadet required the most aging ?
A
- Château Thébaud
- 36-48 months
20
Q
What is the only Grand Cru in Val de Loire ?
A
- Quart de Chaume
21
Q
What are sub areas of Savennières Coulée de Serrant ?
A
- Grand Clos de la Coulée
- Clos du Château
- Les Plantes
22
Q
Which river is near Quart de Chaume ?
A
- Layon
23
Q
Where are located the lieux dits Les Quarts, Les Rouères, Le Veau ?
A
- Quart de Chaume
24
Q
What’s the name of the Chenin Blanc cuvée of Clos Rougeard ?
A
- Brézé
25
What style of wine is produced in Touraine-Noble-Joué ?
- Rosé (vin gris) blend of P.N., Meunier, P.G.
26
Between Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire, which one allowed up to 5% of Orbois ?
- Vouvray
27
Between Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, which one allowed up to 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon ?
- Both
28
What’s the main river of Chinon ?
- Vienne
29
Which Touraine (subzone) villages allow white wine of Sauvignon Blanc only ?
- Oisly = white only 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenonceaux = if white, 100% Sauvignon Blanc + Rouge
30
What’s the grape variety allowed for Orléans Clery ?
- Cabernet Franc
31
What are the three main soils in Sancerre ?
- Silex (high proportion of flint)
- Terres blanches (Kimmeridgian soils)
- Caillottes (Oxfordian limestone)
32
Who produces Cuvée Paul ?
François Cotat
- Late-harvest cuvée made in select vintages
33
Match the rivers with an AOP.
- Lay
- Loir
- Cher
- Aubance
- Vienne
- Lay = Fiefs Vendéens AOP
Aubance = Anjou AOP
Loir = Jasnières AOP
Vienne = Chinon AOP
Cher = Quincy AOP
34
What is the maximum percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon allowed in Bourgueil AOP and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOP ?
- 10 %
35
What body of water impacts Muscadet Côte de Grandlieu AOP ?
- Lac de Grandlieu
36
What are the two communes pending for Muscadet-sèvre-et-maine AOP crus communaux status ?
- Vallet
- La Haye Fouassière
37
Does Rosé de Loire AOP produce dry or off-dry ?
- Dry (maximum 3 g/L)
38
When occurred The great frost in Pays Nantais? What changed after this event?
- 1709
- The region move from red to white wine production
- The frost-hardy Melon B (Melon de Bourgogne) was planted more widely throughout the Pays Nantais.
39
What are the communes of production of Fiefs Vendéens?
- Mareuil
- Brem-sur-Merr
- Vix
- Pissotte
- Chantonnay
40
What is particular about the regulation of Fiefs Vendéens?
- All wines must be blends
- Rosé: Pinot noir and Gamay
- Red: Pinot or Cabernet Franc blended with Négrette
- White: Chenin Blanc with Chardonnay
41
What is the main grape variety for a white Anjou?
- Chenin blanc, must comprise 80% or more of the variety
- Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
42
True or false, Hand harvest is mandatory in Savennières and Savennières Roche aux moines
- True
43
Is Chaptalization allowed in Savennières and Savennières Roche aux moines?
- No, prohibited
44
Is Savennières and Savennières Roche aux Moines always dry?
- No, can be sweet too
45
How big is Savennières Coulée de Serrant?
- 7 ha
- Monopole of Joly family
46
Where is located Clos du Papillon?
- Savennières, Domaine du Closel is renowned for this
47
What are the three cuvées of Nicolas Joly?
- La Coulée de Serrant
- Le Clos de la Bergerie
- Les Vieux Clos
48
What is the minimum residual sugar of Anjou coteaux de la Loire, Coteaux de l'Aubance and Coteaux de Saumur?
- 34 g/l
49
What is the minimum residual sugar of Bonnezaux?
- 51 g/l
50
What is the minimum residual sugar of Coteaux du Layon Chaume premier cru?
- 80g/l
51
Is chaptalization legal for Bonnezeaux?
- yes, unlike Quarts de Chaume
52
What are the villages allowed to append their name in Coteaux du Layon?
- Faye d'Anjou
- Rochefort-sur-Loire
- Rablay-sur-Layon
- Beaulieu-sur-Layon
- St.Aubin de Luigné
- St.Lambert du Lattay
- Chaume
53
Is chaptalization legal for Coteaux du Layon Chaume?
- No
54
What is the minimum residual sugar of Quarts de Chaume grand cru?
- 85 g/l
55
Between Quarts de Chaume and Sauternes, which one require the lowest yields?
- Quarts de Chaume (20 h/l) vs 25 h/l for Sauternes
56
What style of wine is produced on Cabernet d'Anjou?
- Rosé based on Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
- may be primeur
- min 10g/l RS
57
What style of wine is produced on Rosé d'Anjou AOP?
- a lot of grape varieties allowed (grolleau, cab, cot, gamay, pineau d'Aunis)
- may be primeur
- min 7g/l RS
58
Anjou Brissac covers the same area than another sweet wine appellation?
- Coteaux de l'Aubance
59
True or False, Saumur-Champigny must be 100% Cabernet Franc
- False, up to 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon is allowed
60
Between Les Poyeux et Le Bourg from Clos Rougeard, which one is the most expensive?
- Le Bourg (around 70$ more in SAQ), 70 years old vines cuvée
61
Where is located Domaine des Roches Neuves (Thierry Germain)?
- Saumur-Champigny (also produce Saumur wine)
62
What style of wine is produced on Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame?
- Red, Cab Franc with up to 15% Cab Sauv
- Higher concentration in style than Saumur
63
What style of wine is produced on Haut-Poitou AOP? Where is it located?
- White/ Rosé/ Red
- South of the town of Chinon
64
What grape variety is used for a white Haut-Poitou?
- Sauvignon blanc + max 40% of Sauvignon Gris
65
What grape varieties are used for a rosé Haut-Poitou?
- min 40% Cabernet Franc
- min 20% Pinot Noir
- 20% Gamay
66
What grape varieties are used for a red Haut-Poitou?
- min 60% Cabernet Franc
- Gamay, Gamay de Bouze, Gamay de Chaudenay, Merlot, Pinot Noir
67
What grape variety is used for a Saumur blanc?
- 100% Chenin Blanc
68
Who are the four producers who are working on Brézé?
- Arnaud Lambert
- Guiberteau
- Clos Rougeard
- Domaine du Collier
69
Who is producing the cuvée La Ripaille and La Charpentrie?
- Domaine du Collier
70
What style of wine is produced on Coteaux de Saumur?
- 100% Chenin Blanc
- min 34 g/l
71
What are the three appellation influenced by the Loir?
- Coteaux du Loir
- Jasnières
- Coteaux du Vendômois
72
Between Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, which one is the biggest?
- Bourgueil
73
What style of wine is produced on Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil?
- Rosé
- Red
74
Which river impact Bourgueil?
- Loire
75
Which river impact Chinon?
- Vienne
76
What are the three main variations of soil in Chinon?
- Alluvial terraces
- Tuffeau mixed with clay (the highest quality area in mid slope)
- Sandy clay mix with flint
77
Is Cabernet Franc more prone to reduction or oxidation?
- Reduction
- Producers in Chinon manage this tendency by using regular racking to introduce oxygen to avoid off-flavors
78
Who is producing Chinon La Croix Boissée?
- Bernard Baudry
79
Who is producing Chinon Clos de l'Echo?
- Couly-Dutheil
80
Who is producing Chinon Clos de la Dioterie?
- Charles Joguet
81
What style of wine is produced on Cheverny?
- White: Sauvignon based
- Rosé: Pinot based
- Red: Pinot based
- Must be a blend!
82
What grape variety is allowed for Cour-Cheverny?
- Romorantin
83
Can Cour-Cheverny produced off-dry wines?
- Yes, but cannot be chaptalized
84
What style of wine is produced on Coteaux du Loir?
- White: Chenin blanc 100%
- Rosé: Pineau d'Aunis based with 40 % of Gamay
- Red: Pineau d'Aunis based
85
What style of wine is produced on Coteaux du Vendômois?
- White: Chenin blanc + up to 20% of Chardonnay
- Vin gris: 100% Pineau d'Aunis
- Red: Pineau d'Aunis based
86
What style of wine is produced on Jasnières?
- White: 100% Chenin Blanc, dry or sweet
87
What is the most renowned estate of Jasnières?
- Domaine de Bellivière
88
Is it possible to produce a pétillant naturel of Montlouis-sur-Loire?
- Yes! In addition to traditional method sparkling wines, the appellation include a pétillant category (1.5 to 2 bars). In the Cahier des charges, it must aged for a min. of 9 months on lees and must be disgorged
89
Who is behind La Taille aux Loup estate?
- Jacky Blot
90
What is the main soil of the best vineyards of Vouvray?
- Locally known as perruches, it's a greenish clay containing large flinty pebbles
91
How is classified the climate of Vouvray?
- Vouvray is the limit between Atlantic and Continental influences, where winds from the sea and winds from inland meet, vintage has a particularly strong effect
92
Le Mont, Clos du Bourg and Le Haut Lieu are important lieux-dits in which AOP?
- Vouvray baby
93
Is sparkling wine production important for Vouvray?
- Yes 60% of production of Vouvray is sparkling wine
94
What is the minimum aging for Vouvray méthode traditionnelle?
- May not be released before a year
95
True or False a sparkling Vouvray must be made by the traditional method?
- False, can be a pétillant made by the ancestrale méthode, with a lower pressure
96
If a Vouvray is labelled as Sec, what is the maximum RS?
- 8 g/l
97
Clos Naudin and Vigneau-Chevreau are notable producers in which AOP?
- Vouvray
98
What grape varieties are allowed for a Touraine blanc?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- up to 20% of Sauvignon Gris
99
If a Touraine is labelled as Primeur, what is the grape variety used?
- 100% Gamay
100
What are the five renowned villages of Touraine?
- Mesland
- Azay-le-Rideau
- Amboise
- Oisly
- Chenonceaux
101
Which river impact Valencay?
- Cher
102
What style of wine is produced on Valencay?
- White: Sauvignon based
- Rosé and Red: must be a blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Cot
103
Which river impact Quincy, Reuilly and Châteaumeillant?
- Cher
104
Which river separate Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
- Loire
105
What is the Jurançon project of Dagueneau?
- Les Jardins de Babylone
106
Does Didier Dagueneau, a famous producer of Pouilly-Fumé, produced Sancerre wines too?
- Yes, Les Monts Damnés cuvée
107
Which appellation share the same delimitation than Pouilly-Fumé? What grape variety is used?
- Pouilly-sur-Loire
- 100% Chasselas
108
What styles of wine is produced on Sancerre?
- White: Sauvignon Blanc
- Rosé: Pinot Noir
- Red: Pinot Noir
109
What are the three most renowned lieu-dits of Chavignol?
- Monts Damnés
- Grande Côte
- Cul de Beaujeu
110
Stylistically speaking what is the difference between François Cotat and Pascal Cotat?
- François makes classic, linear wines
- Pascal push ripeness to a maximum, sometimes declassified because there's to much residual sugar
111
What style of wine is produced on Menetou-Salon?
like sancerre
- White: Sauvignon Blanc
- Rosé: Pinot Noir
- Red: Pinot Noir
112
What is the appellation west of Sancerre?
- Menetou-Salon
113
What appellation is north of Pouilly-Fumé?
- Coteaux du Giennois
114
What style of wine is produced in Coteaux du Giennois?
- White: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Rosé/Red: Pinot Noir and Gamay (always a blend)
115
What are the two IGP in Centre Loire?
- Côte de la Charité
- Coteaux de Tannay
116
What style of wine is produced in Orléans?
White: Chardonnay based
Rosé and Red: Meunier based
117
What style of wine is produced in Orléans-Cléry?
- Red: 100% Cabernet Franc
118
What is the 1st AOP of Loire?
- Quincy (1936)
119
What style of wine is produced in Quincy?
- White from Sauvignon grapes
120
What style of wine is produced in Reuilly?
- White from Sauvignon
- Rosé: Pinot noir, Pinot Gris (vin gris)
- Red: Pinot noir
121
What style of wine is produced in Chateaumeillant?
- Vin Gris: Gamay based
- Red: Gamay based
122
What are the two major rivers of Upper Loire - Auvergne?
- Allier
- Loire
123
What are the four main appellations of Upper Loire?
- Saint-Pourçain
- Côtes d'Auvergne
- Côte Roannaise
- Côtes du Forez
124
What is the synonym of Tressallier in Upper Loire?
- Sacy
125
Côtes d'Auvergne is at the same latitude than which other wine regions?
- Saint-Émilion
- Côte-Rôtie
- Piedmont
- Willamette Valley
- (45th)
126
Corent is a cru from which obscure AOP?
- Côte d'Auvergne
127
In general, what are the four most difficult vintages in Loire Valley in the 2010s?
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
128
Of the five (subzone) villages of Touraine, which makes their white wines of 100 % Chenin Blanc ?
- Amboise = 100 % Chenin Blanc
- Azay-le-Rideau = 100 % Chenin Blanc
- Mesland = Blanc : Min. 60% Chenin Blanc + S. Blanc + Chardo
129
Basically, what is Tuffeau ?
- Marine limestone (chalky or sandy, fine-grained)
- Soft and porous
130
Which major geographical feature forms the western border of the Loire Valley ?
- Bay of Biscay
- Atlantic Ocean
131
Is Chenin Blanc an early ripening varietal, or a late-ripening ?
- Early ripening
- Susceptible to spring frost
132
True or False ? The Arbois varietal is noteworthy for its diminished acidity.
- True
133
How many AOCs are there in the Loire Valley?
- 51
134
Between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, which one was AOC first ?
- Sancerre 1936
- Pouilly-Fumé 1937
135
Towns of Morogues and Parassy are associated with which AOC ?
- Menetou-Salon
- Both are considered better quality
136
True or false: AOC wines from Quincy must be made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc.
- False
- plus a max 10% Sauv. Gris
137
Arnon river is associated with wich central vineyards AOC ?
- Reuilly
138
True or False ? driest of the Loire regions and, as a result, the last to begin harvest in Central Loire.
- False
- It is going to be the first to harvest
139
True or false: Pouilly-sur-Loire has the same geographical boundaries as Pouilly-Fumé AOC.
- True
140
True or False ? Approximately 50 % of Loire Valley AOC wine is produced in Touraine.
- False
- 25 %
141
Which styles of wine are produced in Touraine ?
- Rouge
- Blanc
- Rosé
- Sparkling
142
'Fiers' is the historical synonym to what grape ?
- Sauvignon Blanc
143
In Tourraine, what does : Aubuis - Varennes - Perruches ; refers to ?
- Soils of Touraine & Chinon
- Aubuis = Tuffeau
- Varennes = Alluvial deposits
- Perruches = Stony, flinty clay soil
144
With which Loire AOC is the Brenne River associated ?
- Vouvray
145
True or False ? Harvest in Vouvray is one of the latest in France, often lasting into November.
- True
146
Which styles of wine are produced in Vouvray ?
- Dry White
- Sweet White
- Sparkling
147
Jasnières is nested within the larger ________ AOC.
- Côteaux du Loir AOC
148
From where are wines known as 'Savennières of Touraine' ?
- Jasnière AOC
149
Which Loire Valley appellation has a speciality for a rosé made 100 % Pineau d'Aunis ?
- Coteaux du Vendômois
150
Which white grape is the most important in Coteaux du Loir ?
- Chenin Blanc
151
Which grapes are grown for Bourgueil AOC ?
- Cabernet franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon (max 10% in rosé and rouge)
152
What is the northernmost AOC in the Loire Valley ?
- Jasnières
153
Massif des Mauges is able to protect which Loire wine region ?
- Saumur
154
Between Anjou Noir and Anjour Blanc, which one is associated with Tuffeau soils ?
- Anjou Blanc
155
Which styles of wine are produced under Anjou AOC?
- dry white
- sweet white
- red
- sparkling
- rosé
156
Which style of wine represents the majority of Saumur AOC’s wines ?
- Sparkling
157
Soil of Savennières AOC
- Blue schist and sand
158
Nicolas Joly is considered the father of _________ within France.
- Biodynamics
159
I would like a glass of Côtes Roannaise Blanc please !
- NO !
- It does not exist you bastard !
- Only Rouge / Rosé
160
In Saint-Pourçain AOP, Sacy is the synonym name of what grape ?
- Tressalier
161
What is the principal grape of Saumur-Champigny?
- Cabernet Franc
162
True or false ? About 50% of wine production in the Nantais is white.
- False
- About 96 %
163
What are the two appellation of Pays Nantais that allows Blanc/Rouge/Rosé ?
- Côteaux d'Ancenis AOP
- Fiefs Vendéens AOP
164
True or False ? In Pays Nantais, Muscadet AOP is the only appellation to allow the blending of Chardonnay with Melon B.
- True
- Blanc: min. 90% Melon B with max. 10% Chardonnay
165
True or False ? Muscadet AOP allow the mention 'sur lie' on its labels.
- False
- Blanc "Sur Lie" - As of April 2020, no longer an allowed label designation for this AOP
- 'Sur Lie' is allowed mention on :
- Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine AOP (subzone like Clisson may not include "sur lie" on the label)
- Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOP (must be vintage-dated)
- Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOP
- Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOP
166
What are the two Rivers that flows through Clisson, in Pays Nantais ?
- Sèvre
- Maine
167
What are the authorized grape varietals of Gros Plant du Pays Nantais ?
- Folle Blanche (Gros Plant) min 70 %
- Montils
- Colombard
168
What grape varietal will you find in a Coteaux d'Ancenis bottle of white wine ?
- Blanc: 100% Pinot Gris (Malvoisie)
169
Where, in France, can we find villages : Brem - Chantonnay - Mareuil - Vix - PIssotte ?
- Fiefs Vendéens AOP
170
True or false ? Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOP has the same exact geographical boundaries as Muscadet AOP.
- False
171
True or Flase ? Crémant de Loire AOC wines must be hand-harvested.
- True
172
True or false ? In the Loire Valley, wine styles and volumes fluctuate wildly depending on the vintage conditions.
- True
173
True or false ? The Loire Valley is the largest white wine-producing region in France.
- True
174
Of the five (subzone) villages of Touraine, which makes their white wines of 100 % Sauvignon Blanc ?
- Oisly (only white)
- Chenonceaux
175
Which of these Lieux-dits is in Sancerre?
- Chêne Marchand
- Narvaux
- La Madonne
- Chêne Marchand
176
Domaine Huet Le Mont can be labelled as? (Select 3)
- Sec
- Demi-Sec
- Moelleux Premier Trie
- Doux
- Sec
- Demi-Sec
- Moelleux Premier Trie
177
Which AOP of Loire Valley may have Premières Côtes on the label?
- Vouvray
178
Muscadet coteaux de la Loire covers the same area of which other aop?
- Coteaux d’Ancenis
