Variety: Chenin Blanc

Chenin blanc (also Pineau de la Loire and Gout fort)

Is a white wine grape variety from the Loire valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines, although it can produce very bland, neutral wines if the vine's natural vigor is not controlled.

Soils are often the defining factor of a Chenin style. In the Loire, the heavier, clay-based soils are best for fostering late ripening, sweet Chenin Blanc - the chalky, more limestone-based soils are responsible for many of the lighter, crisper styles of the grape.

Ken Forrester - Petit - Chenin Blanc 2011, SA

Kleine Zalze - Chenin Blanc 2010, SA