South American Wine Guide, Independent Guide to the Best Wines in South America for Visitors to Peru

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South American Wines

An Introduction to the Wines of South America for Visitors to Peru

White Wine Varieties: CHENIN BLANC

Other White Wine Varieties: Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc / Chenin Blanc / Semillon / Viognier / Torrontés / Riesling /

CHENIN BLANC (White)
This native of the Loire valley has two personalities: at home it's the basis of such famous, long-lived whites as Vouvray and Anjou, Quarts de Chaume and Saumer, but on other soils it becomes just a very good blending grape. It is South Africa's most-planted grape, though there is called Steen, and both there and in California it is currently used primarily as a blending grape for generic table wines. Chenin Blanc should perform better in California, and someday it may. It can yield a pleasant enough wine, with subtle melon, peach, spice and citrus notes. The great Loire whites vary from dry and fresh to sweet, depending on the vintage and the producer. In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is even used for fortified wines and spirits.

Chenin Blanc: This grape makes a light, fruity wine. It is planted primarily in the US and in the Loire valley of France (well known in Vouvray wine). In South Africa this grape is referred to as Steen. Also known as White Pinot (Pinot Blanco), Chenin Blanc is able to age ten years or more.

South American Wines - An Independent Guide to the some of the Best Wines from Peru, Argentina & Chile.