Chenin Blanc originates in the Loire Valley in France, but is now widely planted throughout the New World with several distinct personalities. Chenin is South Africa's most widely planted grape, generally used for simple wines, and New Zealand and Australia produce small amounts of good fruity Chenin. California and Argentina use it for unmemorable simple wines.
However, nearly all the great Chenin Blancs are French, from Saumur and Savennières (dry), Anjou and Vouvray (off-dry), Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume (a melony, honeyed dessert wine), and Crémant de Loire (sparkling). This grape has extraordinary flavour, with honey, guava and quince offset by hints of light floral fruitiness. The wines have crisp, zesty acidity and a floral, honeyed character, varying from fresh, light unoaked to rich, heavily oaked wines. These wines need to mature for years to attain their full richness.
