Chenin Blanc

France

“Voo vray” is a wine region in France’s Loire Valley mainly growing Pineau de la Loire- or the varietal known as Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc from Loire can be made in several ways from dry to sweet, both still and sparkling. Vouvray is located in the village of Touraine, in about the middle of the Loire Valley. The AOC or Appellation d’Origine Controlle’ of Vouvray is almost exclusively dedicated to Chenin Blanc grapes. Located along the Right bank of the river Loire east of the city of Tours, the region is surrounded by streams and tributaries. The climate can change from year to year, making the wines change from vintage to vintage. A cooler year would yield drier styles and more Sparkling wine, while a warmer year can produce more moisture and the fungus known as Botrytis Cinerea or “Noble Rot” produces sweeter dessert style wines. The area of Vouvray produces over a million cases of wine a year, most using little to no oak and neutral fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Naturally high in acidity, these wines show a breathy floral characteristic with stone fruit flavors and can often be aged for several years.

Clos Palet Vouvray 100% Chenin Blanc grapes that underwent a long pressing and strict juice selection, aged on the lees- a fresh almond flavor lingers on the finish. Notes of Acacia flower and melon. We give it two bones.

Mille Reeves Vouvray A single vineyard in the heart of the appellation, planted mid slope, facing west for afternoon sun produces great ripeness. Mille Reeves means a thousand dreams – representing the dreams of the generations of growers who have farmed the site. Fleshy peach, white flower and beeswax with subtle viscosity and slight phenolic touch. Grown without pesticides. We give it three bones.

South Africa “Steen”

Dutch explorers were the first to land in the Cape of South Africa in the 1600’s, bringing with them cuttings of Chenin Blanc; it grew and flourished. The climate and terroir, bush and dry farmed can produce a rich, lush, crisp wine with very high yields. Chenin Blanc is also referred to as “Steen” and is the most widely planted varietal in the country of South Africa. Production is centered around Cape Town, with Paarl and Stellenbosch the largest growing regions. Governed by the KWV (Kooperatieve Wijnbouwers Verenigin van Zuid-Afrika Bpkt) since 1918 the cooperative has set policies, restricted yields, and set minimum pricing for the entire country’s wine industry. During most of the 20th Century South Africa’s products were boycotted because of Apartheid. In 1990 when Apartheid ended the grape growing industry experienced a renaissance where quality of wine production became more important than quantity. The WO (Wine of Origin) program was developed in 1973 and South Africa continues to experience a hybridization of Old-World techniques and modern technology, from farming and conservation of lands, to quality yields and wines that achieve international acclaim.

Rustenburg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc

The Rustenburg estate was founded in the Stellenbosch region in1682 and boasts over 2,000 acres. Rustenburg has been through a series of ownerships, most recently by one family for over 70 years. Chenin Blanc was planted in the 1980’s, though wine has been produced and sold off the property since the early 1700’s. The winery is modernized and features traditional Cape Dutch style historic buildings, farmland- cattle, beekeeping, and conservation. 100% Chenin Blanc stainless steel aged, offers aromas of pineapple and yellow pear, with a citrus acidity on the finish. We give it three bones.

Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc

One of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, offering gardens, farms and a luxury hotel, restaurants and winery. This Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape of South Africa is dry and crisp with an intriguing nose of white peaches and ripe pineapple with an undercurrent of lemon curd. We give it two bones.

Chenin Blanc, or Steen, whether from Loire, France, or South Africa, offers a wonderful experience for your palate. Stop in and explore our selection from different vintages to places of origin. A wonderful aperitif, summer sipper, or pair with citrus laced seafood or light fare. Cheers!

By CRBrown