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Variety: Chenin Blanc

Color: White

Other names: (South Africa), Pineau de la Loire (France)

Varietal Notes:

The 70’s were good to this grape. As a fragrant and lightly sweet wine, Chenin Blanc became the best selling wine of the era. Yet, there is something to be learned from history and that is sooner or later what was once in style will come back. Chenin Blanc is native to the Loire Valley in France, but it is widely planted around the world under various names. In South Africa as much as one third of the wine grape planted is Chenin Blanc (known as Steen). In Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Argentina it is widely planted as Pinot Blanco. California has Chenin Blanc at it third most widely planted white.

Courtesy Vitis International Variety Catalogue

*Characteristics:**					Why Chenin? Because Chenin is one of the most versatile grape varieties. Crisp semi-sweet to dry wines, sparkling wine, dessert wines, and even brandies are most from this grape.
*Aromas/Flavors:**					honey, honeysuckle, melon, grassy
Food Pairing:					depending upon the vinfication method, Chenin Blanc may be paired fish/seafood. light dishes, white meats, on its own after dinner or with desserts.
Aging:**					depending upon style it can be drinkable upon release or have the potential to age well.
Commercial Examples***:
* Character, Aromas, and Flavors of wine produced from the above-mentioned grapes are based upon a general assessment of the variety. Winemaker results will vary. The ability to age is tied directly to the wine's chemical make-up. Aging in the context of a varietal assumes the wines produced can or tend to yield the correct chemical make-up. Winemaker results will vary. * Commercial Examples provided as varietal references for benchmarking. Winemaker results will vary.