Nearly noble grape varieties: Chenin Blanc

Chenin blanc gets easily overshadowed by the likes of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, but if you love crisp refreshing dry wines this may be your new grape. It might also be your grape if you like complex age worthy wines. Oh and, zingy sparkling wines. Also sweet dessert wines! There is probably a Chenin for everyone! It is often described as a chameleon.

About the grape

This aromatic thin skinned white grape is early budding and tends to ripen mid or late season. The variety tends to be vigorous and therefore has to be managed to ensure flavours do not become diluted due to over cropping. One of its distinctive features is its high levels of acidity. These mean that even in sweet wines, there is a good balance.

Why does it deserve its nearly noble status?

• Versatility – This grape makes dry highly acidic wines, impressive sparkling wines, as well as some exceptionally good sweet wines. It may well be one of the most versatile grapes in the world. This grape can turn its hand to almost any style, taking on the characters of any terroir.
• A signature variety – While popular in the Loire Valley in France, Chenin has found its home in South Africa where it is the most planted grape variety. It is a key component of Crémant de Loire, which is delicious,
• Potential to age – Unlike most white wines, Chenin can be aged fairly successfully. Some for 40+ years.
• Value for money – Unlike a lot of the noble varieties, you don’t tend to pay for the brand name, so there are some really good wines at quite affordable prices.

Profile

Describing a Chenin Blanc is frankly something of a challenge. It is the shape-shifter of wine, and can really express a lot of different styles, flavours and terroirs. As a general rule dry styles will be:

• High acidity
• Varying levels of sweetness depending on the style
• Generally low to medium alcohol
• Light body
• No tannin

Describing a Chenin could become dangerously like a repetition of a wine lexicon, but typically it has the following flavours / aromas. Quince, yellow apple, pear, acacia, chamomile, honey, ginger. In cooler climates, minerality and florals may be emphasised. In warmer climates stone fruits such as peach or tropical fruits such as banana, guava and pineapple may develop. Sweet wines can develop nutty and marzipan flavours. Sometimes it can have a slightly waxy texture. Food pairings depend on style. Everything from chicken and salads at the light dry end, to cheese, spicy sauces, lemon meringue pie and creamy dishes for off dry and sweet styles.

Production

The biggest production is in South Africa which accounts for around 50%. The Loire in France is also a native home for this grape. Beyond this, this variety tends to be grown in the new world, rather than in Europe, with plantations in the United States, Argentina and Australia and even Mexico.

You’ll like like Chenin Blanc if you like…

Albariño, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc for dry styles. Chardonnay for more complex oaked styles. Sauternes for sweeter styles. English sparkling wine for sparkling styles.

So have I convinced you that Chenin Blanc deserves its nearly noble status? It can be a a grape people love to hate. Which side are you on? Why not let me know? In the meantime, keep exploring this beautiful planet we live on, one glass at a time!