Chenin Blanc

• Color: White
• Grape Parentage: Savagnin x ?
  • Sauvignon Blanc x Traminer Rot (Savagnin) has been suggested, but is disputed.  Sauvignon Blanc (along with Menu Pineau) is likely a sibling of Chenin Blanc, rather than a parent.
• Place of Origin: Anjou
  • Historical records at the Abbaye de Glanfeuil indicate Chenin’s cultivation in 845, although this does not constitute proof.  The earliest appearance of “Chenin Blanc” in print was in 1534.  
• Origin of Grape Name: Chenin Blanc is named for Mont-Chenin in Touraine 
• Major Countries of Production:
  • South Africa: 18,515 hectares (2010, SAWIS)
  • France: 9,835 hectares (2011, FranceAgrimer)
    • Maine et Loire département: 5,121 ha
    • Indre et Loire département: 3,191 ha
  • USA: 
    • California: 7,667 acres (2010, USDA/CA dept. of Agriculture)
  • Argentina
• Synonyms:
  • South Africa: Steen
  • France: Pineau de la Loire, Pineau d’Anjou, Pineau (Loire Valley)
  • South America: Pinot Bianco
• Viticultural Characteristics: Thin-Skinned, Early-Budding, Late-Ripening (in cool climates), Susceptible to Botrytis/Grey Rot, Susceptible to Oidium, Resistance to Downy Mildew
• Preferred Soil Type: calcareous soils
• Associated Classic Soil Types:
  • Touraine: Tuffeau
• Common Blending Partners: Classic examples of Chenin Blanc are varietal wines, but it may be blended with Chardonnay, Colombard, or Sauvignon Blanc for basic and bulk wines

Typical Descriptors and Structure for Vouvray Sec/Demi-Sec

• Visual: Pale Straw/Straw with Hints of Green, Moderate Concentration
• Aromas/Flavors: Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity of Aromas
  • Fruit: Tree Fruit (Green/Golden/Oxidized Apple, Quince, Yellow Pear), Citrus (Tangerine, Orange, Lemon), Demi-Sec examples may also reveal Melon and Tropical Fruit Notes
  • Sulphuric Note (in youth)
  • Oxidative Notes: Slight Bruised Apple, Bitter Nut, Almond, Cheese Rind/Soft Cheese
  • Floral: Orange Blossoms, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Fragrant White Flowers
  • Herbal: Chamomile/Herbal Tea, Medicinal Notes, Dandelion Greens, Wasabi, Savory Herbs, Tree Bark
  • Botrytis (possible): Honey (particularly with Bottle Age), Ginger, Marmalade
  • Other: Wet Wool, Lanolin 
  • Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Damp Straw, Limestone/Tuffeau, Wet Stones, White Mushroom
  • Oak: None or Neutral Cask
• Structure: Dry to Off-Dry (dry examples typically have slight RS), Moderate Body, High Acidity, Diminished to Moderate Alcohol

Typical Descriptors and Structure for Savennières

• Visual: Pale Yellow/Gold, Moderate Plus Concentration
• Aromas/Flavors:
  • Fruit: Tree Fruit (Green/Golden/Oxidized Apple, Quince, Yellow Pear), Citrus (Tangerine, Bergamot, Lemon), Dried Apricot
  • Oxidative Notes: Bruised/Rotten Apple, Cider, Bitter Nut, Almond/Marzipan, Pistachio, Cheese Rind/Soft Cheese (overall the character of classic Savennières tends to be more oxidative than Vouvray)
  • Floral: Honeysuckle, Jasmine, White Flowers
  • Herbal: Chamomile/Herbal Tea, Medicinal Notes, Dandelion Greens, Wasabi, Savory Herbs, Tree Bark
  • Botrytis (possible): Honey (particularly with bottle age), Saffron, Ginger, Marmalade
  • Other: Wet Wool, Lanolin
  • Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Damp Straw, Schist, Wet Stones, White Mushroom
  • Oak: None or Neutral Cask

Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus to Full Body, High Levels of Extract, High Acidity, Moderate to Elevated Alcohol