| Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape that is used to | | | | come from the Loire Valley. Because of its high |
| make a wide variety of wines because of its high | | | | acidic quality, it is very longlasting. In the best |
| level of acidity. The area in which it is grown has a | | | | wines from this region, it is unblended. Wineries in |
| lot to do with whether or not the wine is sparkling | | | | South Africa have attained international fame with |
| or dry. The cooler areas of northern France | | | | the wine they produce from these grapes, with |
| typically produce wines that are full-bodied and | | | | the Raats winery making some of the best wine |
| fruity with high levels of acidity. | | | | in this country. |
| Grapes that are harvested before they are ripe | | | | This winery does not age the wine in oak, which |
| are made into sparkling wines. The dry wines of | | | | permits the true qualities of the grape to shine |
| Anjou have flavors of quince and apples. | | | | through in the final product. In the Raats Original |
| Australian Chenin Blanc wines are very crisp and | | | | Chenin Blanc 2007 one can detect the flavor and |
| dry and those of California are mainly jug wines. | | | | aroma of green apples, ripe pears and nepoli. |
| Chenin Blanc grapes can basically grow in any soil | | | | Another of the Chenin Blanc [ wines that has |
| type, but they do need heat, which limits them to | | | | gained international attention is Chateau des |
| warm climates. The vine does grow very | | | | Vaults, La Jalousie 2006 Savennieres. This wine |
| vigorously and is hardy, resisting many of the | | | | has more ferality that that of the South African |
| common diseases that affect vines and grapes. | | | | wines. It is a dry wine that has a savory and |
| When the grapes grow in tight clusters they are | | | | metallic taste and creamy texture. |
| more susceptible to rotting and because the | | | | When pairing this wine with food, light and delicate |
| grapes have thin skins they can get sunburned. | | | | choices work best with young Chenin Blanc. It |
| The vines bearing Chenin Blanc grapes produce | | | | works exceptionally well with salads because |
| leaves containing 3 to 5 lobes. Although the | | | | these really bring out the green apple taste found |
| grapes bud early and grow in cone shaped | | | | in this varietal and those such as Sauvignon Blanc. |
| clusters, they ripen late in the season. | | | | Mild and spicy rice dishes, sushi, seafood, and |
| Chenin Blanc has been described as one of the | | | | poultry dishes are also foods that work well with |
| best white wines on the market. It is so versatile | | | | this wine. |
| that you can have dry wine, sparkling wine, | | | | When selecting Chenin Blanc wines, there are five |
| dessert wine or brandy all under this name. You | | | | categories to watch for. These are: |
| will get a honey and floral taste and scent from | | | | • Dry |
| almost all of the wines. | | | | • Off-dry |
| It is one of the cheaper wines, along with White | | | | • Semi-sweet |
| Zinfandel and Pinot Gris, especially from Australia | | | | • Sweet |
| and California, where this is the most planted | | | | • Sparkling |
| grape. This is because in these climates the wines | | | | If you are not familiar with the tastes of these |
| do not lose their natural acidity, which accounts | | | | categories, you should taste a sample of each |
| for the bland taste of the wine produced in other | | | | one to find the wine variety that suits your |
| areas. | | | | palette best. |
| Chenin Blanc is the superstar of French wines that | | | | |