Chenin Blanc
A descendant of Savagnin and known by a number of different names, Chenin Blanc is grown in France, particularly in the Loire Valley, as well as extensively in South Africa, and in New Zealand and Australia. Naturally high in acidity, Chenin Blanc is remarkably versatile, producing dry, off-dry, sweet and sparkling wines. It is considered a non-aromatic grape variety, with relatively subtle primary fruit aromas such as citrus. Under the right climatic conditions, the grapes can be affected by Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, producing some of the world’s great sweet wines. These develop rich notes of honey and ripe quince.
Chenin Blanc is the signature variety of many leading estates and producers, including Richard Leroy, Stéphane Bernaudeau, Coulée de Serrant, Domaine Guiberteau, Clos Naudin (Philippe Foreau), Domaine Huet, The Sadie Family, Damascene and Matías Riccitelli.
