Chenin Blanc

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Common synonyms: Pineau de la Loire, Chenere, Pinot Blanco (South America), Steen (South Africa), Fransdurif (Dutch)

Parentage of the grape: indigenous to the Loire Valley, France, perhaps related to Pineau d’Aunis (Chenin Noir)

Common synonyms: Pineau de la Loire, Chenere, Pinot Blanco (South America), Steen (South Africa), Fransdurif (Dutch)

Parentage of the grape: indigenous to the Loire Valley, France, perhaps related to Pineau d’Aunis (Chenin Noir)

History of the grape: Modern day French oenologist Pierre Galet states Chenin Blanc has been in France at least since the 9th century. Its origins are believed to be in Anjou, then it made its way to Tauraine (planted by Lord Chenonceaux, perhaps hence its name), and other parts of the Loire by the 15th century, and then into the Rhone. In the mid 1650s, Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company brought vines to the Cape colony of South Africa. It was given the local name “Steen” after a history of mislabeling that plays out like a game of Telephone gone wrong: “Listan” which morphed into “La Stan” and then “De Steen.” Listan is Dutch name for a grape, yes, but the Palomino of Spain. What they in fact had was Fransdurif, a.k.a. the Chenin Blanc of the Loire. It eventually got to “Steen” from “Stein” because of its early resemblance to German “Stein wein.” In 1963, C.J. Orffer, chief viticulturalist at the University of Stellenbosch, formally declared Steen’s leaves match those of Chenin Blanc, and the name has stuck since. In the 1960s, a sweet blend of Steen and Clairette Blanche known as Liberstein gained international recognition. In the latter half of the 20th century, dry versions of the wine came into prominence and proliferation. In other parts of the world, Chenin Blanc was already gaining a foothold.

Characteristics of the grape: Dry: light to medium-bodied, apple, pear, cantaloupe, green melon, banana, lemon, sometimes faintly cinnamon. Sweet: candy apple, nuts, figs, caramel, brown sugar, toffee.

Regions where the grape is currently important: Loire: Anjou, Saumur, Savennieres, Vouvray, Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux, Quarts de Chaumes. South Africa, Caliofornia, Washington, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay.

Type or types of wines the grape produces: dry, off dry, sparkling (especially Cremant de Bourgogne), late harvest, fortified, Botrytis sweet ~Amanda Schuster

– Description from Amanda Schuster (hide)

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Husch Vineyards Chenin Blanc Mendocino

Winery:	Husch Vineyards
Region:	USA » California » Mendocino
Type:	Table Wines

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What's news on Snooth 10/26/09

We have a full line-up of articles to touch on today, ranging from a great interview with Mike Benziger to food and wine pairing, as well as a look at some of the wines coming from France's Loire valley.

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Mentor for Chenin Blanc Wines

Mary Margaret McCamic

Based in North Carolina, I'm a wine instructor at The Chef's Academy and owner of The Clever Vine, a wine consulting and education service. I hold the WSET Diploma and have a strong background in French wine, with a special interest in the Loire Valley.

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Popular Chenin Blanc wines

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Popular Regions for Chenin Blanc View all

Stellenbosch

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People getting updates on Chenin Blanc Wines

Page 111 of 120
Chenin Blanc on Snooth

April 2008

The dear Crottin de Chavignol, which first saw the light of day in the 16th ... ... of the region, or with a Chenin Blanc from Vouvray. Another good match is a Grenanche based wine. Fair warning: when young, notre petit Crottin can stand up to a Pinot Noir, but when it ages, it becomes a tad to strong for the delicate grape.Next time: possibly... Read More

Forum post in the topic Crottin de Chavignol Cheese &...
April 2008

I am new at this whole pairing thing. We are going to a dinner party on friday where they are serving grilled rainbow trout. We are to bring the wine. Any suggestions? Read More

Forum post in the topic What goes with grilled...
April 2008

Sula Chenin Blanc 2006

Snoothrank:

Very smooth and as other reviewers have said, the buttery and caramel notes make it well worth the reasonable price. Read More

Wine review by kking708
April 2008

Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon les Chiens-Chiens 2003

Snoothrank:

Not for wine wimps or California Fruit Bomb addicts. This is an earthy, funky wine. It smells like overripe plums (I guess that would be prunes) and tastes like smoke, tar and dirt. Read More

Wine review by edink
March 2008

Foxen Chenin Blanc Santa Maria 2005

Snoothrank:

A little bit of funk, but a really nice wine that is bone dry and acidic. Read More

Wine review by Derek67
March 2008

Beringer Vineyards Chenin Blanc California 2003

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by urusuki
March 2008

Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Petit 2007

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by surfsup
March 2008

Folie á Deux Ménage á Trois White 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by bepsmem
March 2008

Vouvray Demi-Sec 2006

Snoothrank:

Rich, fresh grapefruit and apple which lingers long. Read More

Wine review by colinrchorley
March 2008

Big House White 2005

Snoothrank:

This wine was fun - like it appears to be in the labeling. It was light and fruity. Entirely drinkable, and seemed best served chilled. Read More

Wine review by contentqb