Monday, 2 October, 2017
winemag.com, Lauren Buzzeo
It still surprises me just how many people aren’t turned on to Chenin Blanc. When attempting to sing its praises, I often hear, “Do you mean Sauvignon Blanc?” No, I don’t mean Sauvy. I’m talking Chenin: the white wine that you should be considering for your glass and your cellar.
While Chenin Blanc’s vinous birthplace is the Loire Valley - where it produces some remarkable wines from appellations like Quarts de Chaume, Savennières and Vouvray - it’s not necessarily the hallmark variety of the entire region, since so many other grapes are grown and thrive there.
There’s another country that’s leading the Chenin charge, creating an unmistakable association between the grape and the region - despite the many other varieties also grown there - as the go-to for wines that are worthy of serious consideration and attention.
It’s time to know Chenin Blanc, especially those from South Africa.
To read more online, click here.