Chenin Blanc
Definition - What does Chenin Blanc mean?
Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety. It is often associated with the wine region of Loire, France and was one of the country's original noble grapes. Chenin Blanc is noted for its floral bouquet and acidity. It is a grape which requires a longer maturing season and performs better in warmer climates. The Chenin Blanc variety produces a soft and sweet finished wine.
WineFrog explains Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is used to make a variety of wine styles, from sparkling to dessert. The vine buds early in the spring and ripens later in the harvest year. In warmer growing seasons, it can produce wines with complexity. When it has been infected with noble rot (botrytis cinerea), it is prized for making quality dessert wines.
Chenin Blanc is also cultivated in South Africa (locally named Steen), Central Valley in California, New Zealand, Argentina, China and Canada. In these regions, Chenin Blanc shows more versatility and is prized for its ability to express terroir and make world-class wines.
