WSET 3 Loire Valley - Part 1 Intro

Sep 28, 2024

Wine with Jimmy: Understanding the Loire Valley - Part 1

The Loire Valley Overview

  • France's longest river (1012 km)
  • 4 classic sections: Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, Central Vineyards
  • Over 300 castles in central area (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Climate and Microclimates

  • Pays Nantais: Cool maritime climate, near Atlantic, city of Nantes – Muscadet zone
  • Anjou-Saumur & Touraine: Cool maritime (Anjou) to cool continental (Touraine)
    • Anjou is warmer due to Mauges hills that provide rain shadow effect; Savenniere, full body and dry Sémillon
    • Dark schist soils add warmth
  • Central Vineyards: Cool continental, still experiences rainfall and frost challenges

Major Grape Varieties

  • Melon Blanc: Prominent in Pays Nantais
  • Chenin Blanc: Anjou-Saumur and Touraine Touraine also grows SB)
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Central Vineyards, famous in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
  • Red Varieties:
    • Cabernet Franc, Gamay: Anjou-Saumur and Touraine (specifically Bourgeuil and Chinon)
    • Pinot Noir: Central Vineyards

Climate Issues

  • Cool regions lead to vintage variation
  • Gulf Stream: Causes higher rainfall, potential for rot
  • Fungal Issues: Powdery and downy mildew
  • Spring Frosts: Problematic in continental zones

Ideal Vineyard Sites

  • Mid slopes with southerly aspect
  • Proximity to water for warmth and reflection
  • Soil granite and schist (better drainage)

Pays Nantais Focus

  • City of Nantes, Loire river meets Atlantic
  • Key Appellations:
    • Muscadet AOC: Large, simple wines to the south of Sevre et Maine region
    • Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC: 75% of production, better quality
  • Characteristics: Dry, high acidity, low-medium alcohol
  • Winemaking: Traditionally in old barrels, now often in concrete/stainless steel

Sur Lie Aging

  • Lees in contact with wine post-fermentation for short periods, 3-6 months
  • Provides balance, texture, and sometimes flavor
  • Protects wine from oxidizing
  • adds nutty complexity

Melon Blanc (Muscadet) Characteristics

  • Early ripening, frost resistant
  • Subtle green fruits, citrus, white flowers, high acidity

Examination Preparation

  • Questions and key points to answer about climate, grape variety, and wine characteristics

n for the WSET Level 3 examination.