Chenin Blanc: The Loire Valley's Most Versatile White Grape

Chinese Name: Chenin Blanc (ç½è¯å)
Other Names: Pineau de la Loire, Steen (South Africa), Franc Blanc
Country of Origin: France (Loire Valley, Anjou-Touraine)
Growing Regions: France, South Africa, United States, Australia, Argentina

Typical Aromas: Green apple, quince, honey, wet wool, white flowers

Chenin Blanc is a grape of extraordinary versatility, capable of producing every style of white wine â from bone-dry and mineral to legendary sweet wines.

I. Loire Valley Origins

Chenin Blanc originates from the Loire Valley, first mentioned in the 9th century in the Anjou region.
Its name likely comes from Mont Chenin in Touraine, where it was historically cultivated.
It is the signature grape of the great Loire appellations: Vouvray, SavenniÃ¨res, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume, Saumur.

II. South Africa, a Second Home

Introduced to South Africa in the 17th century by Huguenot settlers, Chenin Blanc â locally called Steen â has become the country’s most widely planted white grape.
South Africa now has nearly twice as much Chenin Blanc as France, with exceptional old vines producing world-class wines.

III. Tasting Profile and Versatility

Chenin Blanc possesses remarkable natural acidity, giving it the ability to age for decades.
Young and dry, it expresses notes of green apple, quince, white flowers, and a chalky minerality.
With age, aromas evolve toward honey, beeswax, candied fruits, and the famous “wet wool” note characteristic of great Loire Chenins.
Its versatility is unmatched: bone-dry mineral wines (SavenniÃ¨res), sparkling (Saumur Brut), balanced off-dry (Vouvray), and legendary sweet wines (Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume).

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