Chenin Blanc is a white grape varietal with incredible range. It's a versatile grape that is used to make dry wines, sweet wines, still wines, and sparkling wines all over the world. It makes light, one-note wines as easily as it makes rich, elegant wines, and it is even regularly used to make fortified wine. Many critics believe that it is the world's most versatile wine grape.
What kind of wine is Chenin Blanc?
This high-acid grape has roots in the Loire Valley in France (where it is sometimes called Pineau de la Loire) but can be found growing all over the" new world" in places like New York, Argentina, and Chile. It's especially popular in South Africa, where it is known as "Steen" and can be found in the Swartland and Stellenbosch regions. It is a white wine grape that is susceptible to noble rot (also called Botrytis Cinerea), which removes water and leaves a concentrated grape with a high sugar content. Old vine Chenin Blanc that undergoes noble rot is almost mythic. Chenin Blanc can also be used to make sparkling wine (called Cremant de Loire) that is delicious.
What is the tasting profile of Chenin Blanc wine?
Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety that can be made in many different styles, but most examples feature fresh fruits, white flowers, and moderate to high acidity. Dry Chenin Blanc is crisp with notes of apple, guava, and quince playing off of strong minerality. Sweet Chenin used in dessert wines like Vouvray retains the fresh qualities but adds in notes of honey, peaches, and barley as it ages. Chenin Blanc is the perfect canvas. It makes winemaking look like an art, and all up and down the appellations of the Loire, from Savenniere to Bonnezeaux and Coteaux du Layon, and across the ocean in Napa Valley or Stellenbosch, beautiful Chenin Blanc wines are being made.
Want to learn more about Chenin Blanc?
Want to learn more about Chenin Blanc? Check out Firstleaf’s Ultimate Guide to Chenin Blanc.