15 Facts About Chenin blanc

Chenin blanc was often misidentified in Australia, as well, so tracing its early history in the country is not easy.

French ampelographer Pierre Galet has theorized that Chenin blanc originated in the Anjou wine region sometime in the 9th century, and from there traveled to Touraine by at least the 15th century.

Climate of a wine region largely dictates whether Chenin blanc is produced in a predominantly sweet or dry manner, while the vineyard soil type generally influences the overall style of the wine.

Chenin blanc planted in soils with a high silex content produce wines with distinctive minerally notes, while limestone-based soils encourage wines with sharp acidity.

Ampelographers theorize that Chenin blanc originated in the Loire Valley of France sometime in the 9th century.

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Chenin blanc is an authorized planting in many Appellation d'origine controlee regions, but is mostly planted in the Middle Loire AOCs of Anjou, Bonnezeaux, Cremant de Loire, Coteaux de l'Aubance, Coteaux du Layon, Jasnieres, Montlouis, Quarts de Chaume, Saumur, Savennieres, and Vouvray.

The high acidity of Chenin blanc lends itself well to sparkling-wine production, where it is an important component of Cremant de Loire, sparkling Vouvray, and in the Languedoc wine region of Limoux.

Outside the Loire, in addition to the Languedoc plantings in Limoux, other French plantings of Chenin blanc can be found in Corsica, Charentes, and the Aveyron department.

Chenin blanc is found planted throughout South America, though for many years plantings in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay were confused for Pinot blanc.

Canada has Chenin blanc planted in the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia and in Ontario.

Some plantings of Chenin blanc can be found in the Spanish wine regions, mainly in Catalonia.

Aromas and flavor notes of Chenin blanc often include the descriptors of minerally, greengage, angelica and honey.

Chenin blanc wines produced from noble rot will often have notes of peaches and honey that develop into barley sugar, marzipan, and quince as they age.

However, as they age, Chenin blanc wines are prone to going through "dumb phases" where the wine closes up, revealing little aroma and varietal characteristics.

Chenin blanc can be a very versatile player in food and wine pairings, but the wide range of wine styles needs to be taken into account.