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Could this underrated white wine be the next big thing? The surprising truth about Chenin Blanc

Do you like white wine? Have you ever heard of Chenin Blanc? This grape variety may not be as well-known as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will explore the surprising truth about Chenin Blanc and why it could be the next big thing in the wine world.

A brief history of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape that originated in the Loire Valley in France. It is believed to have been brought to the region by the Romans during their occupation of Gaul. The grape was first mentioned in historical documents in the early 9th century, under the name Plant d’Anjou. Over the centuries, Chenin Blanc became the most planted grape variety in the Loire Valley, and it was used to produce a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet.

In the 20th century, Chenin Blanc began to gain popularity outside of France, especially in South Africa, where the grape was planted in the early 1900s by Dutch settlers. Today, South Africa is the largest producer of Chenin Blanc in the world, with over 20% of the country’s vineyards dedicated to the grape. Other countries that produce Chenin Blanc include the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Chenin Blanc growing regions

Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that can be grown in a range of climates and soil types. However, it thrives in cool to moderate climates with well-draining soils. The Loire Valley in France is still considered the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc, and the region produces some of the finest expressions of the grape. Other regions in France that grow Chenin Blanc include Savennières and Vouvray.

Outside of France, South Africa is the most well-known Chenin Blanc producing country, with regions such as Stellenbosch and Swartland being particularly famous for their Chenin Blanc wines. In the United States, California and Washington state produce some excellent Chenin Blancs, while in Australia, it is mostly grown in Western Australia and South Australia. In New Zealand, Chenin Blanc is still an emerging grape variety, but it has shown promise in regions such as Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

Variations of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that can produce a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling. Here are some of the most common variations of Chenin Blanc:

Variation	Style	Region
Dry	White wine, usually unoaked	Loire Valley (France), South Africa, United States, Australia
Off-dry	White wine with a touch of residual sugar, can be still or sparkling	Loire Valley (France), South Africa, United States, Australia
Medium-sweet	White wine with noticeable residual sugar, can be still or sparkling	Loire Valley (France)
Sweet	Dessert wine with high residual sugar	Loire Valley (France)

Dry Chenin Blanc is the most common style of Chenin Blanc, and it is the most likely to appeal to a global market. Off-dry and sweet Chenin Blancs tend to be more niche products that appeal to a smaller audience. Sparkling Chenin Blancs are also becoming more popular, especially in South Africa.

Taste profile of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a grape that can produce wines with a wide range of aromas and flavors, depending on the region and the winemaking style. However, there are some common characteristics that are usually associated with Chenin Blanc:

• High acidity: Chenin Blanc is a grape that naturally has high levels of acidity, which gives the wine a refreshing and crisp character.
• Stone fruit flavors: Chenin Blanc often has aromas and flavors of peach, apricot and nectarine.
• Honeyed notes: Chenin Blanc can also have flavors of honey, especially in off-dry and sweet styles.
• Minerality: Chenin Blanc is often described as having a mineral character, which can range from chalky to flinty.

Overall, Chenin Blanc is an aromatic and flavorful wine that can pair well with a range of foods.

Food pairing with Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine that can pair well with a range of foods, thanks to its acidity and flavor profile. Here are some of the most common foods that pair well with Chenin Blanc:

• Seafood: Chenin Blanc’s high acidity and minerality make it a great match for seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp, oysters or grilled sea bass.
• Spicy foods: Chenin Blanc can handle spicy dishes, thanks to its fruitiness and refreshing character. Try pairing it with Thai or Indian curries.
• Roast chicken: The flavors of Chenin Blanc can complement the flavors of roast chicken or turkey, especially when served with a creamy sauce.
• Soft cheeses: Chenin Blanc can be a great match for soft and creamy cheeses, such as brie or camembert.
• Fruit desserts: Off-dry or sweet Chenin Blancs can be a great match for fruit-based desserts, such as peach cobbler or apple tart.

Overall, Chenin Blanc is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with a range of foods.

Value for money

One of the most appealing aspects of Chenin Blanc is its value for money. Compared to other white wines, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc is often more affordable, especially in its dry styles. However, this does not mean that Chenin Blanc is a low-quality wine. In fact, some of the best Chenin Blancs come from small producers who are passionate about the grape and the terroir.

If you are looking for a white wine that offers great value for money, Chenin Blanc is definitely worth checking out.

The future of Chenin Blanc

So, could Chenin Blanc be the next big thing in the wine world? While it may not have the same level of recognition as other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts. Its versatility, value for money, and ability to age well are some of the reasons why Chenin Blanc deserves more attention.

However, there are some challenges that Chenin Blanc faces. One of them is consumer education. Many wine drinkers are not familiar with Chenin Blanc, and some may be hesitant to try a new wine. Another challenge is the perception that Chenin Blanc is a sweet wine. While sweet Chenin Blancs do exist, the dry and off-dry styles are far more common and are worth exploring.

Overall, the future of Chenin Blanc looks bright. As more wine drinkers discover the beauty and complexity of this grape, we are likely to see more Chenin Blanc being produced and enjoyed around the world.

Rethinking Chenin Blanc and Its Potential

Chenin Blanc has much to offer the wine lover. It is versatile, with an incredible range of styles. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, sparkling to still, Chenin Blanc has found a global audience that appreciates its uniqueness and complexity. It is inexpensive with a growing number of quality examples available as more and more winemakers recognize its potential. Don’t overlook this grape any longer! Chenin Blanc may well be the next big thing in the wine world!

FAQs

What is Chenin Blanc?

Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape that originates from the Loire Valley in France. It is a versatile grape that can produce a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling.

Which countries produce Chenin Blanc?

The most well-known Chenin Blanc producing country is South Africa, followed by France, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

What foods pair well with Chenin Blanc?

Chenin Blanc pairs well with seafood, spicy foods, roast chicken, soft cheeses, and fruit desserts.

What is the future of Chenin Blanc?

The future of Chenin Blanc looks bright, as more wine drinkers discover the beauty and complexity of this grape.

Is Chenin Blanc an affordable wine?

Yes, compared to other white wines, Chenin Blanc is often more affordable, especially in its dry styles.

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