Get to know: Chenin Blanc Wine
What is Chenin Blanc?
Chenin Blanc (pronounced "Shen-nin blonk") is a versatile white grape from France that can produce a wide variety of styles of wine depending on the winemaking style.
What does Chenin Blanc wine taste like?
Chenin Blanc is a grape that produces bright and zesty white wines, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. Dry examples will have flavours such as:
Peach, Citrus, Baked apple and Melon and herby characters. It can be fresh and fruity or stand up to barrel-ageing, where it develops waxier, honeyed notes over time.
Where it is grown can have a large effect on the wine it produces. Cooler regions will produce light wines with more acidity and citrus fruit. Warmer regions will produce wines with riper tropical fruit and a fuller body.
It is also a wine that can be matured in oak barrels to produce richer, more complex wines. These are a great alternative to Chardonnay.
Where does it come from?
Chenin Blanc is originally from France's Loire Valley where it is used in Vouvray and Cremant wines most notably. It is also grown all over the world though in many regions it is used in blended wines. The largest and most important country form Chenin Blanc is now South Africa
