WINE TASTING – CHENIN BLANC Considered by many to be the most versatile grape variety in the world, Chenin blanc is a popular wine across many regions.
What Makes Chenin Blanc a Must-taste Wine?
I
t traces its origins to France, from where it spread and is now grown in
other parts of the world such as the United States and South Africa. The wine is well-loved
2
Thibaut De Roux
for
several
reasons.
WINE VARIETY The array of wines that can come from Chenin blanc have different styles, from dry and light to sweet and sparkly. While every region produces a different style of wine, some areas, like Loire Valley, produce a grape that can make all styles.
BLENDS WELL INTO COMPLEX WINES While some Chenin blanc wines can be confused for other varieties such as Chardonnay, the grape’s signature flavours set it apart from other varieties. Underneath the primary aromas of citrus and yellow apple are the more complex ones of almond, honey, sea salt, orange oil and mushroom. Chenin blanc grown in the Old World has an earthy taste to it, while the best from the New World has many aromas that lend to the wine’s complexity.
IT AGES WELL While many Chenin blanc bottles released to the market are meant for consumption within a few years, some varieties can last for decades while preserving their natural elements.
UNDERNEATH THE PRIMARY AROMAS OF CITRUS AND YELLOW APPLE ARE THE MORE COMPLEX ONES OF ALMOND, HONEY, SEA SALT, ORANGE OIL AND MUSHROOM.
Thibaut De Roux
3
To learn more about this topic, visit the blog of Thibaut de Roux.