Chenin blanc , is a white wine grape variety from the Loire valley (southwest of Paris)of France.It provides a fairly neutral palate for the expression of terroir, vintage variation and the winemaker‘s treatment In cool areas the juice is sweet but high in acid with a full-bodied fruity palate.The 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. It was first mentioned in 845 the records of the abbey of Glanfeuil as growing on the left bank of the Loire river. In 1445 it was planted in near a site known as Mont Chenin in Touraine by the Lord of Chenonceaux and his brother in law, the abbot of Cormery. Ampelographers believe that this is the likely origin of the grape’s name.It then migrated throughout the Loire valley and later the Rhône. The French writer François Rabelais (1494–1553) wrote glowingly about the white wines of Anjou, and mentions the medicinal qualities of the grapes at the end of chapter XXV of Gargantua.
While true for most wine grape varieties, the quality of Chenin blanc wine is intimately connected to the care taken in the vineyard. If the grapes are harvested too soon, before they ripen, the high acidity of the resulting wine will be (according to wine expert Oz Clarke) “one of the nastiest wines possible”. If the grapes are harvested at too high of a yield, the grapes will not retain any of Chenin blanc’s distinctive character notes. In the Loire, French regulations mandate that yields be kept low to 40-50hl/ha. At these levels, more of Chenin blanc’s varietal characteristics of floral, honeyed aromas can exhibited. When the grape is harvested at high yields, such as the California Central Valley average of 10 tons per acre (175 hl/ha), Chenin’s flavors become more bland and neutral. The vine is naturally vigorous and prone to overcropping if not kept in check.
With optimal ripeness and balance between acidity and sugars being such a viticultural priority for Chenin blanc, many growers (such as those in the Loire Valley) will harvest the grapes in tries or successive pickings through the vineyards. During each series of picking only the ripest clusters or individual grapes are harvested by hand during a period that could last four to six weeks and include three to six passes through the vineyard. One of the major differences between Old world and New world styles of Chenin blanc is the fermentation temperature. Old World style producers in the Loire tend to ferment their Chenin blanc at higher temperatures, 60-68°F (16-20°C), than New World producers usually fermenting their whites at temperatures around 50-54°F (10-12°C). This is because Old World wine producers tend not to put a premium on the tropical fruit flavors and aromas that come out more vividly with cooler fermentation temperatures. Chenin blanc can accommodate some skin contact and maceration which will allow extraction of phenolic compounds that could add to the complexity of the wine. Two of the aromas that skin contact can bring out is the characteristicgreengage and angelica notes of Chenin. The grape’s characteristic acidity can be softened by malolactic fermentation, which will give the wine a creamier or “fattier” texture as would a period spent aging on the lees. The use of wood or oak aging is up to each individual producer. Old World producers tend to shy away from the use of new oak barrels which can impart flavors of vanilla, spice, and toastiness; though these notes may be desirable for a New World producer. In Savennières there is a tradition of using acacia and chestnut barrels for aging; though acacia can impart a yellow tint to the wine, and chestnut barrels may add some buttery note.
Food pairings
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. Lighter, dry styles can pair well with light dishes such as salads, fish, and chicken. The acidity and balance of medium-dry styles can pair well with cream sauces and rich dishes like pâté.
BLACK DOOR WINE COMPANY HAS IN STOCK:
Beautiful pears, honey, almonds, and minerals.. good balance anda good level of acid Very enjoyable …Very consistent from vintage
to vintage. Great value for the money. Classic example of quality dry chenin blanc from Loire valley. Light yellow color; intense, intriguing, lightly oily textured, poached pear, white pepper nose; very tasty, savory, white pepper, tart pear, chalk, mineral palate; medium-plus finish.
$23.95
