CHENIN BLANC
Quick overview
Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety with high acidity levels and can vary in flavour. It will normally exhibit green apple, chamomile and sometimes honeysuckle if it has been aged for an extended period - circa five years plus. It is normally medium to full bodied.
On the grapevine...
Chenin Blanc is most commonly associated with the Loire Valley in France and has been around since 845! It can be made to any level of sweetness.
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Vouvray is the main wine of Chenin Blanc that is called Pineau de La Loire in Vouvray and Montlouis.
The Loire Valley is one of the seven regions in France approved to produce Crémant - a dry sparkling wine made using the traditional method (how champagnes are made.)
Crémant de Loire can be made in Anjou, Saumur and Touraine but is often produced in Saumur and from Chenin Blanc grapes.
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The other six regions approved to produce Crémant are:
1. Bourgogne
2. Alsace
3. Jura
4. Bordeaux
5. Limoux
6. Die
More about the grape...
Chenin Blanc made in Vouvray can be quite a balanced aromatic wine with quite a lot of body and can age for a long time - up to 30 years which is a result of Chenin Blanc's high level of acidity. When aged the wine will develop honeysuckle flavours.
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Buying a Vouvray that you like can be tricky, so if you find a producer and a harvest that you like then buy at least a case!
Random information...
South Africa's annual Chenin Blanc production far exceeds France's.
Safe bet countries/ regions (this is a VERY general guide)
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Vouvray, Savennieres and Mountlouis, Loire Valley - France
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Stellenbosch, Swartland - South Africa