Chenin Blanc

shen-in-blahnk

Chenin Blanc is a grape France thinks of as her answer to Riesling: a grape that makes aromatic, mineral wines with high acidity and the ability to age for decades. Originally from the Loire Valley, this is white wine however carved its own identity, distinct from Riesling, winning fans of pleasingly fruity, summery whites, which is what Chenin Blanc makes best.

around the world

This underrated French grape might not be as popular as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc but nevertheless, has found favour in some New World countries, chief among them South Africa where it was first planted in the 17th century. Today, Western Cape wineries turn out fresh food friendly whites from Chenin Blanc.

Chenin Blanc is the most white wine variety in India which isn’t a surprise given its capacity to make wines with a sweet touch. Indians love sweet wine and Chenin Blanc loves Indian weather, making refreshingly fruity wines, local to Nashik.

Tastes Like

Chenin Blanc buds early but typically ripens half way through harvest season, yielding full formed fruit yet retaining acidic freshness. A classic Chenin Blanc expression teems with notes of lemon, pineapple and honey, tasting of stone fruits like apple, pear and honeysuckle, balanced by a rush of acidity.

On the palate

Crackling acidity, fruit forward exuberance and a clean finish, making it perfect for social summer afternoons.

Pairing Recommendations

Chenin Blanc’s fruit forward character and good acidity makes for a wide ranging menu of dishes to choose from including Meditteranean and Asian.

There’s a whole whole smorgasbord of seafood dishes and is chicken and pork dishes cooked in sweet and sour sauces. This refreshing white can hold up to Indian curries as well.

key styles

One has to doff the hat to Loire Valley for a quite unique Chenin Blanc turn that dazzles with rich fruit, fuller body and off dry finish.

South Africa that makes the most amount of Chenin Blanc and call it steen, makes two quite distinct styles – one that’s upfront fruity and easy drinking and the other in the vein of Loire with opulent fruit and a bit of barrel ageing to add complexity.

India can lay claim to creating its own unique Chenin Blanc signature that gushes with fruit and refreshing acidity. The off dry styles have nearly gone out of fashion though there’s a few ‘dessert’ wines made using the Botrytis method to service the Indian sweet tooth.