Chenin Blanc is an ancient French white grape variety widely grown in France, South Africa, and the USA. This late-ripening variety is characterized by medium-sized bushes with round, five-lobed leaves and dense cylindrical-conical or winged clusters. The berries are of medium size, round, greenish-white in color with a waxy coating and firm skin, possessing juicy flesh. The flowers are perfect, which promotes good shoot ripening. The variety's yield is 60-70 centners per hectare, however, it is susceptible to a moderate degree of mildew and gray rot.
This grape variety has a rich history: first grown in the Loire Valley since 845, it gained widespread popularity in South Africa from the mid-17th century, where it today occupies one of the largest planting areas in the world. Chenin Blanc grape is characterized by vigor and high yield, making it popular among viticulturists of various regions.
Chenin Blanc is used for the production of high-quality white wines of various styles - from dry to dessert, including still and sparkling wines. Wines from this variety are renowned for their complex aromatic bouquet with notes of honey, apricot, flowers, nuts, and wet straw. A special place is occupied by the dessert wine Vouvray, made from botrytized Chenin Blanc grapes, which is considered one of the best long-lasting sweet white wines in the world.
