White Wine
Chenin Blanc
Similar to German Riesling’s Trocken, Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese et al., Chenin from the Loire has a classification system related to sugar levels.
Sec (dry)
Demi-Sec (off dry) typically 15-25 g/lt residual
Moelleux (slightly sweeter) at approximately 40-50 g/l.
Moelleux 1er Trie (the first picking of botrytised berries) that produces a wine with residual sugar of about 60-100 g/lt and yet also with very high acidity.
The dry wines tend to be mid-weight building a lovely level of opulence as they ages.
What does Chenin Blanc Taste Like?
Flavours: Watch for the perfume, pear, citus spice, hints of apricot & jasmine in the sec, these wines build complexity as they age. The sweet wines add an array of aromas and flavours not dissimilar to the great Sauternes, ginger, honey, marmalade, patisserie notes, grilled nuts marzipan and beyond. Again as they age complexity builds.
Balance: Like any great wine, Chennin Blanc will have impeccable balance across each of the styles, marrying natural acid and delicious flavours.
Mouthfeel & Texture: When very young they have a lovely texture which becomes luscious and simply put caresses your tongue as they age. As residual sugar increases the mouthfeel builds, yet, across the styles remains light and clean.
It’s just so easy to hoover!
Where is Chenin Blanc grown?
The Loire Valley and large swathes of South Africa dominate the plantings of Chenin Blanc in the world. Recently we’ve seen a little revival in Australia too.
Image: Domaine Huet’s Clos du Bourg
