In 2024, today, June 10, we celebrate the world day of the Chenin Blanc white grape variety! ππ
Chenin Blanc is a grape variety planted on around 35,000 hectares worldwide. πΏ
The main producing countries are South Africa (50%+), France (30%) and the United States and Argentina (5-6%).
The variety is characterized by low-medium alcohol, low body, medium sweetness and high acidity. π·
Due to these properties, the variety is used in a variety of ways, from thin, fragrant champagne to sweet golden nectar and full-bodied distillate. π₯πΎ
The basic scent and flavors are quince, golden apple, pear, honey and chamomile. πππ―πΌ
Styles can be:
- Thin, dry wines
In cooler climates (e.g. Vouvray in the Loire Valley), less ripe grapes are used to make wines with more acidic fruit, bright acidity and green notes. South Africa's better value wines are of a similar style. Flavor notes include quince, pomelo, tarragon and ginger. ππΏ
- Full-bodied, semi-dry wines
They are made from the ripest grapes, chunky and oily, sometimes aged batches. The use of barrels can also lend creaminess to the variety. Nashi pear, honeysuckle and orange blossom with a little clove pepper appear in its taste notes. πππ
- Champagnes
You can typically find dry "brut" or semi-sweet "demi-sec" champagnes. Chenin Blanc sparkling wines are produced in the Vouvray area along the Loire, known as Cap Classique in South Africa. πΎβ¨
π¬ Write your favorite Chenin Blanc experience in an Instagram comment!
Pictures:Β Vinum Voyage
Professional consultant: Attila Trembeczki