LOIRE VALLEY

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Loire Valley wine region.

Loire Valley

France's longest river and a significant wine region known for its diverse wine styles.

Appellation

A legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown.

Sauvignon Blanc

A grape variety primarily grown in the Central Vineyards and Touraine, known for producing high-acidity, dry wines.

Chenin Blanc

A high-acid grape variety that produces a wide range of styles, including dry, sweet, still, and sparkling wines.

Muscadet

A wine made from Melon Blanc, typically dry, with high acidity and subtle green fruit flavors, originating from the Nantais region.

Climatic influences

Factors such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity that affect grape growing regions and wine styles.

Cabernet Franc

A black grape variety used to make wines ranging from light and fruity to full-bodied and age-worthy, primarily grown in Touraine.

Rosé de Loire

A dry rosé wine produced in Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, made from various grape varieties.

Noble rot

A beneficial fungal infection that partially dehydrates grapes, enhancing their sugars and flavors for sweet wines.

Vouvray

An appellation in Touraine known for its Chenin Blanc wines, ranging from dry to luscious sweet.