The versatile Chenin Blanc‘s pretensions to classic grape status are mainly realised in the Loire Valley, where its floral aroma, apple and pear-like flavour and acidity contribute to long-lived dry styles and luscious sweet whites around Bonnezeaux, Quarts de Chaume, Vouvray and Layon, and, on occasions, full-flavoured sparkling wines.
Quick Link: Decanter travel guide: Loire Valley, France
New World
Considered more of a workhorse variety in the New World, it is South Africa‘s most widely planted grape variety (known as Steen), widely planted in California, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, and occasionally produces quality dry whites when barrel-fermented.
SEE ALSO: Sarah Ahmed’s top South African Chenin Blancs | International Trophy White Single-Varietal under £15 – Perdeberg |
Chenin Blanc in its most classic form in the Loire Valley is full of floral and honeyed aromas and quince and apple-like flavours with good zippy acidity. When cool-fermented as in so many instances in South Africa, it can be quite peardroppy, becoming more peachy in fuller dry whites.
With botrytis development in the grapes, it becomers rich in barley sugar and honeyed characters, particularly in tthe luscious sweet wines of the Loire Valley.
Food Matching with Chenin Blanc: Apple puff pastry with Christmas spices | Courgette flowers, apple and horseradish | Michel Roux Jr: Leek Terrine with Goat’s Cheese Recipe
Most great terroirs, I’ve come round to believing, can produce different sorts of compelling wine. A distinguished site is pure potential – but there are usually several possibilities, not just one, for realising that potential.
Grapevine trunk diseases are a growing concern for French winemakers with the latest government figures showing more than 100,000 hectares of vineyard lost in 2014.
Chef Raymond Blanc is in pursuit of the perfect wines to match his food, so what’s on his revamped wine list and why has he slashed the selection by half? Fiona Beckett meets him to find out
This year's Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Trophy for South African Chenin Blanc over £15 went to Spier, 21 Gables Chenin Blanc, Tygerberg 2012 (14%)
One of California's oldest Chenin Blanc vineyards has been listed by the state's Historic Vineyard Society, as part of efforts to preserve the region's winemaking heritage.
This year's winner of the Decanter World Wine Awards International Trophy for the Best in Show Sauvignon Blanc Over £15 went to David Nieuwoudt, Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc, Elim 2012, South Africa.
The versatile Chenin Blanc's pretensions to classic grape status are mainly realised in the Loire Valley, where its floral aroma, apple and pear-like flavour and acidity contribute to long-lived dry styles and luscious sweet whites around Bonnezeaux, Quarts de Chaume, Vouvray and Layon, and, on occasions, full-flavoured sparkling wines. Considered more of a workhorse variety in the New World, it is South Africa's most widely planted grape variety (known as Steen), widely planted in California, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, and occasionally produces quality dry whites when barrel-fermented.
Chardonnay, Syrah, Zinfandel and Chenin Blanc could be grown and produced in Bordeaux if the French appellations body approves trials of the grapes later this month.
In the right hands, Chenin Blanc can be transformed from a basic Loire white into a rich, characterful wine. JAMES LAWTHER MW meets the alchemists of Vouvray and Montlouis.
