Chenin Blanc Wines | Prices, Types & Reviews
Written By: Brian Freedman on Wed, Jul 12th 2006
Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety native to the Loire region of France whose success around the world is famous. In France, it is used in the wines of Anjou, Saumur, Vouvray, and Bonnezeaux. Chenin Blanc itself tends to be somewhat redolent of honey and flowers, though the intensity of these flavors depends, to a great extent, on where it is grown and what it has been blended with. Chenin Blanc is equally excellent when made into sweet wine, and its high levels of acidity are particularly conducive to sparkling wines like the ones from Limoux.
Outside of France, Chenin Blanc is grown in California, Australia, and New Zealand, among other places. But its most famous and well-respected version outside the borders of France is in South Africa, where it is sometimes referred to locally as the Steen grape variety. Whatever they call it in South Africa, Chenin Blanc has proven itself to be an excellent match to the climate there, and the wines made from it are absolutely delicious.
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