Grape
Varietal Report – Chenin Blanc
By: Lauren
Yokley
Chenin
Blanc grapes date all the way back to the 9th century in the Anjou
wine region (France), where they are believed to have originated. By the 15th century the grapes had
spread to Touraine, France and then migrated throughout the Loire Valley where
it is very popular now. Chenin Blanc is
primarily grown in France, South Africa, and the United States. This grape variety is one of the most
versatile wine grape varieties – it can produce dry table wines, sparkling
wines, sweet dessert wines, and even brandy.
Chenin Blanc is known for
its high acidity – which can greatly increase its longevity. The high acidity allows it to be grown in
locations that would be too warm for several other grape varieties. However, because the grapevine buds early in
the growing season and ripens late, it can be difficult for growers in cooler
climates because it may not have enough time to fully ripen on the vine. But it does have a good resistance to
diseases and is tolerable of many soil types.
The climate of the region
will largely determine if the wine is produced in a sweet or dry manner and the
soil type will typically influence the overall style of the wine. General Chenin Blanc descriptors include:
apple, floral, grassy, herbal, tropical fruit, almond, honey, pear, honeydew, and
cantaloupe. Old-World style flavors and
aromas are honey, flowers, almonds, peach, and straw. Whereas New-World style Chenin Blanc wines
are more fruit-focused and have more tropical fruit, guava, apple, and grass
components. Aging in oak barrels isn’t
very typical, but if the process is used, it will bring in more vanilla and
sweet wood flavors.
Chenin Blanc can be versatile
in food and wine pairings, but knowing the style of the wine will determine
what type of food will merry best with the wine. Light, dry wines go very well with salad,
chicken, and fish (and other seafood), whereas sweeter styles can be paired
with spicy Asian dishes as they can balance the heat.
Loire Valley, France
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKx-b9iicEE3_pKdMN7Y3eq55_uIuBYblh38Offg3bTRq-5tgZGhBuIDTEAmgkBK_pcMcWd4qJsbs3ySHhQ_koPdRVF0ZLwz9203N1k_Ckbn638RUBVOwmk1NSIuHnZybGeFZfZ-uygYE/s1600/Loire+Valley+Map.jpg)
South Africa
Although not was well-known
and glamorous as the Loire Valley, South African wines are increasing in
popularity. Chenin Blanc from South
Africa are also called and locally known as “Steen” and is the most widely
cultivated vine, accounting for 20% of all plantings. The country has almost 19,000 hectares of
Chenin Blanc! The majority of Chenin
Blanc grapes are planted in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Worcester regions.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissoI4VV9Vla8fDBExA90TmYg9J7mtLNqKnSdKGwE761jUs_QesNCwEMJQK0CIqg8tdHtonytGR9mVxBcILl7rkkujxQdTICoQm58Vg7IQX3O7xviJY78ZU5gHg-IQ5FjWvg5RM_Z70vM/s1600/South+Africa+CB''.jpg)
California
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQP3lCSxHgzDPDBQeksXtl2KSV3QSKa-6l6MMQA0LjyR3XdrqEp1KCImupFPFPotPWT_vCpUOIG9jAwKDsVQxFKb_wGxM7J8zyDBpROjPJSgFnwyFUih88bgmXOapm0GkjIovnbv_PBY/s1600/CA+wine+regions.gif)
(*Note: no official worldwide Chenin
Blanc plantings in hectares could be found)
Sources:
http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/jrs03411
http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/chenin.htm
http://grapeencounters.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/learning-the-whites-chenin-blanc/
http://www.wine-sa.com/chenin-blanc/
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