Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is an old grape variety from Anjou and is still the premium white wine variety in this part of the Loire Valley. It is also widespread in South Africa where it is used to make fine wines as well as brandies. Rabelais in Gargantua was the first to use the name "Chenin" for this grape variety in the early 16th century. Chenin Blanc is a vigorous grape variety and its early bud-break makes it susceptible to spring frost damage. Chenin Blanc is highly prolific and gives record yields in fertile soils. The grapes usually take a long time to ripen. This grape variety is susceptible to gray rot, powdery mildew, and wood diseases. The bunches are usually rather large with medium-sized grapes. When Chenin Blanc grapes ripen perfectly, they combine very high sugar levels with exceptionally high acidity. They are used to make dry whites suitable for aging in oak barrels and sweet whites (AOC Côteaux du Layon), as well as sparkling wines (AOC Vouvray). Sweet white wines made from Chenin Blanc are very fruity and elegant, with characteristic honey, apple, and pear aromas. They have tremendous aging potential.

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Chenin Blanc
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Photo credit Entav	Photo credit Entav
Chenin Blanc is an old grape variety from Anjou and is still the premium white wine variety in this part of the Loire Valley. It is also widespread in South Africa where it is used to make fine wines as well as brandies. Rabelais in Gargantua was the first to use the name "Chenin" for this grape variety in the early 16th century. Chenin Blanc is a vigorous grape variety and its early bud-break makes it susceptible to spring frost damage. Chenin Blanc is highly prolific and gives record yields in fertile soils. The grapes usually take a long time to ripen. This grape variety is susceptible to gray rot, powdery mildew, and wood diseases. The bunches are usually rather large with medium-sized grapes. When Chenin Blanc grapes ripen perfectly, they combine very high sugar levels with exceptionally high acidity. They are used to make dry whites suitable for aging in oak barrels and sweet whites (AOC Côteaux du Layon), as well as sparkling wines (AOC Vouvray). Sweet white wines made from Chenin Blanc are very fruity and elegant, with characteristic honey, apple, and pear aromas. They have tremendous aging potential.