1
Q
Which is the most widely grown grape in the Loire?
A
Cabernet Franc
In 2018, Cabernet Franc make up 25% of the area under vine – according to InterLoire.
2
Q
Which is the smallest of the Muscadet AOCs?
A
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire
3
Q
Which grape variety will be permitted to constitute up to 10% of the blend in Muscadet AOC wines from the 2021 vintage?
A
Chardonnay
4
Q
The town and Château of Chinon sit on which river?
A
Vienne
5
Q
Saumur AOC makes wines in many different styles – which is the most important in terms of production?
A
Sparkling
6
Q
In which French landform is Touraine and Centre-Loire found?
A
Paris Basin
7
Q
Where is the Loire Valley located?
A
Central and western France along the Loire River from the Massif Central to the Atlantic.
(North or Bordeaux; South of Normandy, East of the Atlantic ocean; west of Bourgonge)
8
Q
What is France’s longest river?
A
The Loire River
9
Q
What are the four main Loire sub-regions?
A
Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, Central Vineyards
10
Q
What ocean influences the western Loire climate?
A
Atlantic Ocean
11
Q
What mountain range is the Loire River’s source located in?
A
Massif Central
12
Q
What river flows through Sancerre and Pouilly?
A
Loire River
13
Q
What is the percentage of plantings for the top 5 grapes in the Loire?
A
77%
14
Q
The Loire grows a wide range of grape varieties. What is breakdown of the plantings by grape variety for the 2018 harvest?
A
Cabernet Franc 25%
Sauvignon Blanc 16%
Chenin Blanc 15%
Melon de Bourgogne 14%
Gamay 7%
Top 5 grapes
15
Q
Approximately how long is the Loire river?
A
620 mi/1,000 km
The longest river in France
16
Q
Who first introduced viticulture to the Loire Valley?
A
The Romans.
17
Q
When did the Romans introduce vineyards to the Loire Valley?
A
Around the 1st century CE
18
Q
Why did the Romans plant vineyards in the Loire?
A
To supply wine to Roman settlements and soldiers in Gaul.
19
Q
What important alliance was forged in the twelfth century and had an impact on the Loire region – and its wines – for several centuries.
A
The marriage of Henry Plantagenet – Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou and Maine to Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152.
20
Q
Which future French king did Joan of Arc meet in Chinon in 1429?
A
Charles VII of France.
21
Q
In what year did Joan of Arc visit Chinon
A
1429
22
Q
What was Joan of Arc trying to convince Charles VII to do?
A
Claim the French crown and defy English rule/ drive the English out
It helped lay the foundations for an independent French nation.
23
Q
What percentage of Loire production is white wine?
A
44%.
24
Q
Q: What percentage of Loire production is red wine?
A
18%
25
What percentage of Loire production is sparkling wine?
13%.
26
What percentage of Loire production is rosé wine?
25%
26
Where is the Anjou–Saumur sub-region located?
In the Middle Loire between Angers (Anjou) and Saumur along the Loire River.
27
What is the primary grape of Sancerre AOC?
Sauvignon Blanc
28
Which two grapes dominate Anjou–Saumur production?
Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
29
What red grape is permitted in Sancerre AOC?
Pinot Noir
30
What grape dominates Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC?
Melon de Bourgogne/Melon Blanc
31
Why is Melon de Bourgogne suited to Muscadet?
It ripens in cool maritime climates and retains high acidity.
32
Which country greatly influenced Loire wine trade in the 16th–17th centuries?
The Netherlands
33
What production method is used for Crémant de Loire AOC?
Traditional method.
34
How does the Loire River influence the wine region?
It moderates temperatures, reduces frost risk near vineyards, and historically enabled wine transport and trade.
35
Why is Chenin Blanc particularly suited to the Loire Valley?
It retains high acidity in cool climates and can produce many styles.
36
Why are Sauvignon Blanc wines from the Central Vineyards highly aromatic?
Continental climate and limestone soils enhance aromatic intensity.
37
Why are sweet wines common in Anjou?
Autumn humidity encourages botrytis development.
38
Why was the Loire River historically important for wine trade?
It allowed wines to be transported from inland regions to markets such as Paris and export ports like Nantes.
39
Where is Chinon located
In Touraine (middle loire) on the banks of the Vienne river
## Footnote
9mi/14km from where it joins the larger Loire River.
40
Which country had a major commercial influence on Loire wine in the 16th–17th centuries?
The Netherlands.
41
Which grape did Dutch merchants encourage in the Loire for distillation?
Folle Blanche.
42
Which group encouraged planting white grapes in the Loire for distillation?
Dutch traders.
43
What product did Dutch traders produce from grapes grown in the Loire Valley?
Brandewijn (brandy).
## Footnote
'Burnt wine'
44
What is the origin of the name “Loire”?
The Latin word liger, meaning silt or sediment.
45
Why could river traffic on the Loire generally only travel in one direction?
The current was very strong, allowing travel mainly downriver.
46
What type of boats were traditionally used to transport wine down the Loire River?
Flat-bottomed boats.
(Gabarres)
47
What major benefit did the Loire River provide for early wine trade?
Transport of wine to northern France and England.
48
What organization regulates the AOC system today?
Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (INAO).
49
Which Loire region produces the most wine volume?
Pays Nantais.
50
Which Loire region produces famous dry Chenin Blanc wines?
Anjou-Saumur
51
Which Loire region produces Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Central Vineyards.
52
What is tuffeau?
Soft chalky limestone common in Touraine and Saumur
53
What grape thrives on tuffeau soils?
Chenin Blanc
54
What are caillottes?
Limestone soils in Sancerre
55
What soils are called terres blanches?
Kimmeridgian marl
56
What soils produce powerful Sancerre wines?
Terres blanches
57
What soils are silex?
Flint soils
## Footnote
Found in Pouilly-Fumé
58
What three wine categories are produced in the Loire Valley?
AOC, IGP, and Vin de France.
59
Q: What percentage of Loire Valley wine production was AOC in the 2019 harvest?
83.5%
60
What percentage of Loire Valley wine production was IGP?
9%
61
What percentage of Loire Valley wine production was Vin de France?
7.5%
62
Why might producers choose to label wines as IGP or Vin de France rather than AOC?
To allow greater flexibility with grape varieties, blending, or winemaking styles.
63
Into how many main subregions is the Loire Valley divided?
Five
64
Are there any AOCs that cover the entire Loire Valley wine region?
No
65
What is the most important regional IGP in the Loire Valley?
Val de Loire IGP
66
Why is viticulture in the Loire Valley challenging?
The majority of the Loire's vineyards are close to the historical northern limit for viable viticulture
67
Why do Loire grapes often hang on the vine late into the growing season?
The cool climate means grapes need a long ripening period.
68
Name three canopy management techniques used in the Loire.
Short pruning, de-budding, and green harvesting.
## Footnote
Doing this since the 1980s to optimise ripeness
69
Why have Loire harvests become earlier in recent decades?
Improved viticulture techniques and climate change.
70
Since the early 2000s, when has harvest in the Loire typically begun?
Around 15 September
71
Which grapes are typically harvested first in the Loire?
Melon de Bourgogne and grapes used for sparkling wine.
72
Which grapes are typically harvested last in the Loire?
Cabernet Franc and late-harvest Chenin Blanc.
73
Why are many Loire vineyards managed using sustainable, organic, or biodynamic practices?
To maintain vineyard health despite humid and rainy growing conditions.
74
Until what month can harvesting for botrytized wines continue?
November
## Footnote
carried out in stages "tris"
75
What are the two most common vine training systems in the Loire Valley?
Guyot and cordon.
76
What is the main goal of white winemaking in the Loire Valley?
To preserve acidity and freshness.
77
What winemaking style is commonly used to preserve freshness in Loire whites?
Reductive winemaking.
78
What size oak vats are sometimes used in Loire white winemaking?
400–600 liters.
79
What type of fermentation vessels are commonly used for Loire white wines?
Temporature controlled tanks.
80
Why is malolactic conversion often avoided in Loire white wines?
To preserve acidity.
81
What aging technique is commonly used for Loire white wines?
Aging on lees
82
When are many Loire white wines bottled?
In the spring following harvest.
83
Is chaptalization allowed in the Loire Valley?
Yes, but only in certain years and under specific conditions.
84
What is the principal grape used for Loire dessert wines?
Chenin Blanc.
85
Which two other grapes are used for sweet wines in specific Loire appellations?
Malvoisie (Pinot Gris) and Romorantin.
86
What grape condition is required to produce Loire sweet wines?
Overripe grapes or grapes affected by botrytis.
87
What does aging sweet wines in older oak contribute?
Slight oxidation and added complexity
88
How long can the best Loire sweet wines age before bottling?
From about 8 months to several years.
## Footnote
simple ones are bottled quickly after fermentation to preserve fruit
89
What two methods are used to produce Loire rosé wines?
Direct press and saignée.
90
How is sweetness preserved in off-dry rosé from Anjou-Saumur?
Fermentation is stopped by chilling
91
Are Loire red grapes usually destemmed before fermentation?
Yes
92
How long is maceration typically for Loire red wines?
1–4 weeks
93
Why is malolactic conversion encouraged in Loire red wines?
To soften acidity and create a more supple mouthfeel
94
In what type of vessels are Loire red wines fermented?
Vats or barrels
95
Is chaptalization allowed for all Loire red wines?
No, it is prohibited in certain AOCs
96
Which grape in the Loire may undergo semi-carbonic maceration?
Gamay
97
What method is most commonly used to produce Loire sparkling wines?
The traditional method
98
What term is traditionally used in the Loire to describe a wine that is Medium Sweet?
Moelleux
99
How does the Atlantic Ocean influence the climate of Pays Nantais?
Ocean winds moderate temperatures and bring regular rainfall.
100
What seasonal weather risks affect Pays Nantais vineyards?
April frosts, humidity, rot, and mildew.
101
Which Loire subregion experiences the earliest budbreak and harvest?
Pays Nantais.
102
What is the general topography of the Muscadet region?
Predominantly flat coastal terrain.
103
Which two rivers bisect the Muscadet region?
The Sèvre and the Maine.
104
Pays Nantais is geologically part of which ancient mountain massif?
The Massif Armoricain.
105
What types of rock dominate the soils of Pays Nantais?
Ancient volcanic, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
106
What are the predominant soil types in Pays Nantais?
Gneiss and mica schist.
## Footnote
With a little limestone
107
Why are the soils of Pays Nantais important for viticulture?
They are porous and free-draining, preventing excessive vine vigor.
108
Why are free-draining (porous) soils essential in the vineyards of Pays Nantais?
They prevent excessive vine vigor and high yields, which would otherwise produce dilute wines with little extract.
## Footnote
Because heavy rainfall and a high water table would otherwise cause high yielding vines of very little extract
109
Approximately what percentage of plantings does Melon de Bourgogne represent in Pays Nantais?
About 75%.
110
Why is Melon de Bourgogne well suited to Pays Nantais?
It performs well in cool maritime climates and produces high-acid wines.
## Footnote
Hardy, frost resistant and productive
111
Name other white grapes grown in Pays Nantais.
Chardonnay, Folle Blanche, Chenin Blanc (also Colombard, Montils, Sauvignon Blanc).
112
Which grape is used to produce sweet wines in Coteaux d’Ancenis?
Pinot Gris
## Footnote
locally Malvoisie
113
Which red grape represents about 5% of plantings in Pays Nantais?
Gamay
114
Name two other red grapes grown in Pays Nantais.
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Négrette and Pinot Noir
115
Which appellation covers the entire Muscadet growing area?
Muscadet AOC
116
What style of wine does Muscadet AOC produce?
A: Dry white wines
117
Since 2021, what additional grape may be included in Muscadet AOC wines?
Up to 10% Chardonnay.
118
What proportion of total Muscadet production comes from Muscadet AOC?
About 20%
119
Since 2020, what labeling term can no longer appear on Muscadet AOC wines?
Sur lie
120
Which is the smallest Muscadet appellation?
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC.
121
Which Muscadet appellation is furthest from the Atlantic Ocean?
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC.
122
How does the topography of Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire differ from other Muscadet AOCs?
Vineyards are planted on slopes rather than flat terrain.
123
As of 2020 which potential DGC has been identified but not approved in Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC?
Champtoceaux
124
Which Muscadet appellation surrounds Lake Grand-Lieu?
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC.
125
How do Atlantic breezes influence wines from Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu?
They reduce storms and add subtle salinity to the wines.
126
Which Muscadet appellation produces about 75% of Muscadet wine?
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC.
127
Approximately what percentage of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine wines are aged sur lie?
About 90%.
128
How many DGCs exist within Muscadet Sèvre et Maine?
Nine
129
What is the purpose of DGC designations?
To recognize distinctive terroirs with stricter regulations and higher quality potential.
130
What stricter requirements apply to Muscadet Sèvre et Maine DGC wines?
Lower yields, higher alcohol levels, and longer sur lie aging.
## Footnote
DGCs cannot put sur lie on the label
131
Can Muscadet Sèvre et Maine DGC wines display the term "sur lie" on the label?
No
132
When must wines labeled sur lie be bottled?
Between March 1 and December 31 of the year after harvest.
133
What climate influences affect Anjou–Saumur?
A mix of maritime influence from the Atlantic and increasing continental influence inland.
134
How does the climate of Anjou–Saumur compare to Pays Nantais and Sancerre?
Winters are colder and summers warmer than Pays Nantais but overall more temperate than Sancerre.
135
Q: What is tuffeau?
A soft porous Turonian chalk (limestone) found in Middle Loire
136
How is Anjou geologically divided?
* Black Anjou (west): dark schist and sandstone
* White Anjou (east): white tuffeau chalk soils
137
How do tuffeau soils influence wine style?
They produce wines with high acidity and freshness.
138
Why is Saumur particularly suited to sparkling wine production?
Tuffeau (calcium-rich) soils maintain acidity and extensive chalk caves provide ideal aging conditions.
139
What is La Douceur Angevine?
It describes the climate around Angers. A climate that is under oceanic influences but is not near the sea
140
Which secondary white grapes are used in the region?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Arbois/Orbois.
141
What role does Grolleau Noir play in Anjou wines?
It is the backbone grape for off-dry Rosé d’Anjou blends.
142
How did Cabernet Franc arrive in the Loire?
It was introduced after Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of England in the 12th century.
143
144
The town and Château of Chinon sit on which river?
Vienne
145
In which French landform is Touraine and Centre-Loire found?
Paris Basin
146
Where does Coteaux du Layon AOC take its name?
A river (Layon)
147
The Arnon river flows through which Centre-Loire AOC?
Reuilly AOC
148
Which style of wine is produced in Bonnezeaux AOC?
Sweet white
149
Which AOC produces sparkling wines labeled as pétillant originel?
Montlouis-sur-Loire
150
Where would you find Coulée de Serrant AOC?
Savennières
## Footnote
Coulée de Serrant is a small (17.5 ac/6.87 ha) AOC contained within Savennières on the bank of the Loire.
It is a monopole owned by Domaine Joly.
151
Two rosé appellations that cover the same zone of production as Anjou AOC But are separate AOCs?
* Cabernet d’Anjou (off-dry)
* Rosé d’Anjou (off-dry to slightly sweet)
152
What are the main rosé styles of Anjou–Saumur?
* Cabernet d’Anjou (off-dry)
* Rosé d’Anjou (off-dry to slightly sweet)
* Rosé de Loire (dry)
153
What are the three principal rosé appellations associated with Anjou?
* Rosé d’Anjou
* Cabernet d’Anjou
* and Rosé de Loire.
154
Which Loire rosé appellation produces wines in a dry style?
Rosé de Loire AOC.
155
Which Loire rosé appellation has the highest minimum residual sugar?
Cabernet d’Anjou (minimum 1% / 10 g/L).
156
Which Loire rosé appellations produce off-dry wines?
Rosé d’Anjou and Cabernet d’Anjou.
157
Which Loire rosé appellation has the lowest minimum residual sugar?
Rosé d’Anjou (minimum 0.7% / 7 g/L).
158
Which rosé appellation covers both Anjou-Saumur and Touraine?
Rosé de Loire AOC.
159
Which rosé appellation has the largest production in Anjou?
Cabernet d’Anjou
160
Which rosé appellation has the smallest production despite the largest geographic area?
Rosé de Loire
161
What is the principal grape in Rosé d’Anjou?
Grolleau.
162
Which additional grapes may be used in Rosé d’Anjou?
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Pineau d’Aunis.
163
Which grapes are permitted in Cabernet d’Anjou?
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon only.
164
Which grape varieties are permitted in Rosé de Loire?
* Grolleau Gris
* Grolleau
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Gamay
* Pineau d’Aunis
* Pinot Noir
165
Is there a mandated production method for Rosé d’Anjou?
No — no dominant production method.
## Footnote
No specific belding rules either
166
What is the key stylistic difference between Rosé d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire?
Rosé d’Anjou → off-dry
Rosé de Loire → dry
167
What is the key grape difference between Rosé d’Anjou and Cabernet d’Anjou?
Rosé d’Anjou → Grolleau-based
Cabernet d’Anjou → Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon only.
168
Which rosé appellation typically shows a pale “onion skin” colour?
Cabernet d’Anjou.
169
Which Loire rosé appellation has the largest production overall?
Cabernet d’Anjou
170
Which Loire rosé appellation spans two Loire sub-regions?
Rosé de Loire (Anjou-Saumur + Touraine).
171
How is Cabernet d'Anjou typically vinified
Direct press
## Footnote
(Saignée is also permitted)
172
Which Loire appellation is famous for powerful dry Chenin Blanc wines grown on schist soils?
Savennières AOC
173
Which two smaller appellations lie within Savennières AOC?
Savennières Roche aux Moines AOC
Coulée de Serrant AOC
174
What is unique about Coulée de Serrant AOC?
It is a monopole vineyard owned by Nicolas Joly
175
Which appellation is the most important red wine appellation in Anjou–Saumur?
Saumur-Champigny AOC
176
Which grape dominates wines from Saumur-Champigny AOC?
Cabernet Franc
177
What soil type is associated with elegant Cabernet Franc wines in Saumur?
Tuffeau limestone
178
Which appellation produces higher-quality red wines from 46 communes within Anjou?
Anjou Villages AOC
179
What styles of wine can be produced in Anjou AOC?
* Dry white
* Red
* Rosé
* Semi-sweet to sweet white
* Sparkling
180
Which Loire appellation produces sweet Chenin Blanc wines influenced by mist from the Layon River?
Coteaux du Layon AOC
181
Which Grand Cru appellation produces the sweetest wines in Anjou–Saumur?
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC
182
Which Loire appellation also produces important sweet Chenin Blanc wines with high acidity?
Bonnezeaux AOC
183
Which sparkling wine appellation covers both Anjou–Saumur and Touraine?
Crémant de Loire AOC
184
What proportion of production in Anjour-Saumur is red wine?
About 20%.
185
Which of these wine styles is **not** made in Anjou AOC?
Dry White
Red
Rosé
Sparkling White
Sparkling Rosé
Rosé
186
What proportion of Anjou–Saumur wines are sparkling?
About 19%
187
What style of wine is produced in Coteaux du Layon?
Semi-sweet to sweet Chenin Blanc wines.
188
Where are the vineyards of Coteaux du Layon AOC located?
On both sides of the Layon River in Anjou-Saumur.
189
What are the main soil types in Coteaux du Layon AOC vineyards?
Schist, sand, and gravel.
190
Which direction do the vineyards in Coteaux du Layon AOC face?
South or southwest-facing slopes.
191
Why is south or southwest exposure important in Coteaux du Layon AOC?
It maximises heat accumulation and allows grapes to overripen.
192
Which Loire sweet wine area contains both a Premier Cru and a Grand Cru designation?
Coteaux du Layon AOC
193
What is the Premier Cru of the Coteaux du Layon area?
Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume.
194
What is the Grand Cru of the Coteaux du Layon area?
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC.
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