Corney & Barrow 

Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s most historic grape varieties and is responsible for some of the most delicious and long-lived wines. Records suggest that Chenin Blanc took its name from the abbey at Mont-Chenin in France’s Loire wine region where it was first planted in the 9th century, and it is here on the Loire valley distinctive soils that Chenin Blanc is most at home. Chenin’s naturally high acidity is one of the keys to its charms wherever it is grown. In Anjou in its native Loire, Chenin shows off its quality and astonishing versatility in styles ranging from dry to sparkling to the moreishly sweet. Successful in many other world wine regions too, Chenin has made a particular name for itself in South Africa, where it can produce exuberant, zesty wines at everyday prices, as well as more serious, ageworthy Chenins from low-cropping old vines.

Photo: Chenin Blanc grape from Henri Bourgeois, Loire Valley