06/15/05 Chenin Blanc

Welcome to Vine to Wine, this is your host Linda Moran. On our program today we are going to talk about the grape varietal Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is a grape variety that is perhaps best known as the grape making the popular French wine Vouvray. The Chenin Blanc grown in the Loire valley is made into many different styles both sweet and dry and still or bubbly. The wines are so crisp with acid that it is sometimes hard to believe that there could be enough sweetness to balance it. Characterizing Chenin Blanc in comparison to other wines of its nature is quite simple. In that you will notice that Loire valley Chenin Blanc will most likely have a bit more body and structure. But let me qualify this by saying that not all Chenin Blanc is equal. Very often when you taste Chenin Blanc from other parts of the world it is not as juicy and delicious as the French wines. I have read many possible explanations for the differences. Of course clonal variation and growing climate are enormous factors. But I think one of the most interesting theories has to do with yield. Many growers of Chenin Blanc outside of the Loire are looking for high yields and this of course diminishes the character of the crop. When the yield is lowered the fruit is intense and luscious translating of course to great juice that will make great wine. Perhaps the French just take their Chenin Blanc more seriously, who is to say? But don't take my word  gather up a few bottles of good quality Chenin Blanc from around the world and see if you notice the difference. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.