Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc (also known as Steen, Pineau de la Loire, Pinot Blanco and Chenin) is a white wine grape variety from the Loire region of France. The high acidity and natural sugars found in the Chenin Blanc means that it can be used to produce everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines. Harvesting of this grape is usually done by hand, with many passes through the vineyard, which can involve harvesting ripe clusters or individual grapes. The vine itself is semi-upright with 3-5 lobed leaves containing smallish yellow-green grapes. Recent years has seen this grape become extremely popular in South Africa where it is now the most widely planted variety.