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There may not be a more
versatile grape - or one that is more fickle.
Used for bulk wine and fine wines running the
complete gamut from still to sparkling and dry
to dessert, this grape requires a very limited
set of growing conditions to truly shine. Lean
and racy, this is the antithesis of the popular
'fat' Chardonnays of the '80s and
'90s.
The
History of Chenin Blanc
A native French
variety, the first reference to Chenin Blanc
appears in writings as early as 845. Believed
to have originated in the Anjoy region, the
Loire Valley's winegrowing history and current
reputation are both centered around this fine
varietal. In the mid 1600s it was also brought
into South Africa and has been widely planted
there since then, and today is the major
varietal of that country.
Qualities of
the Chenin Blanc Grape
A late ripener that
also maintains high acidity, these vines can
produce large crops if their vigor is not
controlled. In warm climates and fertile soils,
Chenin can be used for bulk wine production
although the quality suffers. For quality
wines, yields must be kept thin and conditions
must hit a narrow margin between cool and
warm. Therefore Chenin Blanc can be
sensitive to vintage variation and finer
bottlings are rarer than its widespread
cultivation would suggest. This grape takes
well to the noble rot 'botrytis' for dessert
wine production and also is used well as a base
for sparkling wines.
Chenin Blanc Wine
Characteristics
Body: light to
medium
Acidity: high
Flavors: drier styles will show more
mineral and tart fruit characteristics, such as
apple, sweeter versions honeyed and floral
notes
Regions Where Chenin
Blanc is Grown
- In France's Middle Loire
Valley in the Anjou region - in particular the
Vouvray appellation
- In
the Stellenbosch region of South Africa
- Widely grown in California's Central Valley
for bulk wines, but there are a few quality
wines in other parts of the state and
in Washington
Chenin Blanc Fast
Facts
- Bottled by regional
name in France (Vouvray), those bottled as
Crémant are
sparkling
- Bottled by varietal name in
South Africa, or by the local varietal name
Steen
- Bottled by varietal name in the
U.S.
- Famous Producers: Clos Baduin, Domaine du
Clos Naudin, Ken Forrester
- High acidity gives Chenin Blanc
excellent aging potential, and sweeter/dessert
versions can have even more longevity. 10-30
years and possibly longer for the best
bottlings.
Chenin Blanc Wine
& Food Pairing
- It's important to
factor in the sweetness and body of the style -
light, dry versions will do well with chicken
and salads; richer, off-dry styles can be
excellent with spicy or exotic dishes, such as
Curries
- Easy
Food and Wine pairings with Chenin Blanc:
Curried Cauliflower with
Chickpeas &
Potatoes
Here are some of our
favorites:
2007 Domaine
Champalou, Vouvray Sec
Fresh with a
striking acidity, and bright fruit flavors of
green apple and pineapple.
($17)
Ken Forrester
"Petit" Chenin
Blanc
Bracing yet
delicate at the same time. A hint of off-dry
sweetness adds
body. ($9)
Next
Variety: Pinot Blanc Wine
Grape
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