2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Shenin Blanc (Chenin blanc) is an old white wine grape variety that originates in the Loire Valley in France. Shenin Blanc was first mentioned in documents as far back as 845. There are several varieties, and the variety is also known by the names Pinot Blanc, Groschen, Stein, Chen Blanc, Pinot de la Loire and others.
Shenin Blanc is one of the most important white varieties, which is grown with varying degrees of success in all major wine-growing regions in the world. In France, the variety is grown on about 10,000 hectares, but it is also distributed in California, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Mexico, Israel, New Zealand.
The main reason Shenin Blanc to be recognized as a classic white variety worldwide, is its origin - the Loire Valley. The most impressive wines of this variety have been made and continue to be made in the northern part of the Loire.
Shenin Blanc is a late maturing variety, and its vines are characterized by a medium growth rate and very high fruiting. The variety is moderately resistant to mold and rot. The clusters are medium-sized, cylindrical-conical or dense. The berries are medium and spherical, yellowish to golden yellow, with a slight waxy coating.
The skin of the beans is thin but firm, and the inside is juicy. When the grapes are attacked by a noble mold, they change color to pale brown, then begin to shrink and the end result is a very sweet grape with a concentrated taste, which makes really exceptional dessert wines.
Spread of shenin blanc
Shenin Blanc has only local significance for wine production in France, and it is mostly in the Anjou-Touraine region of the Loire Valley. However, in the 1970s, about a third of the areas with Chenin Blanc were sacrificed in favor of the very modern at the time Game, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Nowadays, shenin blanc is quite common in this area. Shenin Blanc is the most common variety in South Africa.
Its areas are about 19 percent of the total area with vineyards. This means that in South Africa the area with Shenin Blanc is three times more than in his native France. Interestingly, Shenin Blanc was not known in South Africa until 1965.
Although Shenin Blanc's most productive years in the country are over, he still has a lot to offer. He will never become world famous, but he still has to try. South Africa's Shenin Blanc impresses with its diverse character and pleasant aroma.
There are also more Shanin Blanc plantations in California than in France. There it is mainly used for blending with the Colombar variety for the production of fresh table wines.
Characteristics of shenin blanc
Wines from Shenin Blanc have a well-defined aroma, very fruity and floral flavor. In France, the variety is used to make high quality white wines - dry, sparkling and dessert. These wines have pleasant aromas of color, apricot, walnuts and honey. When they are young, they are fresh and light, and the best of them after a long period of aging become extremely dry with a copper tint and an amazing aftertaste.
At its best, whether dry, sweet or semi-dry, Shenin Blanc is very fresh and drinkable, but its high acidity is something that strangers need to get used to. In quality wines, Chenin Blanc participates almost 100%, and in more ordinary Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are allowed. It is thanks to Shenin Blanc that Loire wines can boast of their bright character.
The wines from the French appeals, in which Chenin Blanc takes part, are very high quality and interesting, distinguished by their bright individuality. This makes them suitable for people who are looking for a different wine experience away from the crowd.
The only problem with these wines is the fact that they need to be developed in the bottle, and in the 21st century such white wines have little chance of success.
Serving shenin blanc
Shenin Blanc is an amazing white wine that boasts its universal character in terms of food. It can be easily served with Mediterranean food, sushi and even heavier meats such as beef.
The most affordable California and South African versions of Shenin Blanc can be served with light fish and unpretentious poultry dishes. Vegetables, light cheeses and various appetizers - Shenin Blanc will have the right company, emphasizing the taste and aroma of the dish.
Whatever you decide to serve with an amazing Shenin Blanc wine, an important condition for its taste characteristics is that it be sufficiently chilled.
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Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) is a white wine grape variety that originates in the Bordeaux region of France. This is the second most common French white grape variety after Chardonnay. Nowadays it is most common along the middle reaches of the Loire River.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc / Pinot blanc / is an old, white grape variety that is used in winemaking. It originates from France, but is also grown in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, USA, Canada, Hungary, Luxembourg and others.
Villar Blanc
Villar Blanc (Villard blanc) is a hybrid white grape variety originating in France. It was obtained after crossing the varieties Zeibel 6468 and Zeibel 6905 in Montpellier. The variety was selected in 1960 and quality white wines are produced from it.
June Blanc
June blanc is a popular grape variety that is actively used in the production of fresh high quality wines. It is grown significantly in Italy, where it is known as Trebbiano. It is also common in France, where it is called Ugni Blanc and Saint Emilion.
With What Foods And Dishes To Serve Sauvignon Blanc
When it comes to which food to combine with which wine, you need to know the basic rules. One of them is that the aroma of the wine should not be suppressed by the excessive aroma of the dishes. When serving a refined and fragrant wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, it is important to combine it with such dishes and foods that will not reduce its qualities, but on the contrary - will emphasize and complement its taste and aroma.
