Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc has two centres of excellence: the Loire Valley and across South Africa. Perhaps unkindly it can suffer in the hands of a clumsy winemaker, as it readily takes on sulphur flavours. Made well it can sing and its full, round, pear skin flavours come through well in the simple dry whites of Stellenbosch, Robertson and Paarl. However, it is the whole gamut of styles, from sparkling Saumur to sweet Coteaux du Layon, that makes Chenin Blanc a world class variety. Wines like Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume are hugely long-lived yet taste incredibly fresh alongside their glorious sweetness.  Few wines match an apple tart so beautifully.