Chenin Blanc

Pronounced (Shen-In blohnc) is possibly the most versatile grape in the world of wine, made in a variety of styles. Traditionally found in the Loire Valley, it is grown widely but prefers cooler climates. Chenin Blanc has a number of guises, dry to sparkling to sweet. Its most famous expression is Vouvray from the Loire which is amongst the longest lived white wines in the world. It is also South Africa's most successful grape where it is sometimes labelled 'Steen'. Chenin can be cheap and cheerful, even sloppy, or it can be polished and sublime.