Chenin Blanc
Native to France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc produces a range of styles, from light, simple and dry to complex, rich and lusciously sweet wines. In the appellations of Vouvray, Saumur and Savennières you will find some of the finest and complex examples of Chenin Blanc in the world. In Vouvray, the decision of the style of wine to make is often dependant on the climate of the year. In warmer years the sweeter and noble rot styles are produced, while in cooler years much of the production will be made into dry and sparkling wine.
Next to France it is South Africa where it has grown (and been called Steen) for over 400 years. Producing the dry and complex style, it has become known as the signature Cape white varietal.
Signature Style
Aromatic, floral, grassy, straw, peach, pear, apple. The dessert wines are honeyed and tropical
Principal Regions
Loire Valley, France; Stellenbosch, Paarl
Synonyms
Pineau de la Loire, Steen
Did you know?
- The grapes used for making the sweetest Chenin Blancs from the Loire Valley, Quarts de Chaume and Coteaux du Layon, are affected by the noble rot botrytis
- Chenin Blanc is easy to grow in various climates and soil and has a good resistance to disease.