Category: General Knowledge (L3)


Dec
2019

Loire Valley Regional Round-Up and Wine Review

categories: General Knowledge (L3), Wine, Wine 101

In a previous post I did a little Loire Valley Q&A. Today, I want to take some time to compile that information together with some of the key points of the region that I didn’t have a chance to cover. To start with a broad outlook, there are four sub-regions in the Loire Valley, but note that these sub-regions are not appellation designates, nor is there any generic regional appellations that encompasses the whole of the Loire. (There is and IGP called Val de Loire that covers the entirety of the Loire Valley. Wines designated with the IGP label are said to be simple, light, fresh, and fruity.)

The four sub-regions are:

  1. The Central Vineyards
  2. Touraine
  3. Anjou-Saumur
  4. Nantais
Courtesty Fernando Beteta

[Information based on WSET Level 3 material]

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Dec
2019

Pop Quiz(es): Loire Valley

categories: Booze, General Knowledge (L3), Wine, Wine 101

I never really realized just how large the Loire Valley is until I started studying for the WSET Level 3. It’s…pretty big. Like, a bit intimidating big. And, unfortunately, I don’t have a really good short answer question that can help break it down for me. So, I’m being creative. I’m using some sample multiple choice questions I found around the inter-webs to help me break into the region at a more accommodating pace.

[Answer(s) based on WSET Level 3 material]

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Dec
2019

Northern Rhône Overview

categories: Booze, General Knowledge (L3), Wine, Wine 101

I’ve talked about France’s Rhône region in a few previous posts—rosé winemaking, carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration, and of course Southern Rhône red blends. So I think it’s time for an overview of the Rhône and it is, in my mind, easier to do so by separating out the North and South. So, let’s start at the top and work our way down of this very narrow French wine region. Here we go…

Rhône region overview. Courtesy Fernando Beteta

[Information based on WSET Level 3 material]

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