Where does the wine Chenin Blanc come from?

Question

and why is it called Chenin Blanc

Answer 1

Chenin Blanc is a variety of grape used to make wines. If the wine is labelled Chenin Blanc then it is a varietal wine -- i.e. one made wholly or mostly made from the Chenin Blanc variety.

No on knows the origin of the variety but it seems certain to come from France because it was documented as being grown in the vineyards of the Abbeye de Glanfeuil in the 9th century.

The name of the variety seems to have been taken from Mont-Chenin in Touraine France, where cuttings of the grape vines were sent to the brother-in-law of the Abbot in1445. (Like many grape varieties, it has several synonyms, but the Chenin name has taken precedence).

Cuttings were sent to South Africa in 1655 and now that country has the worlds largest plantings of Chenin, and it continues to be grown in Frances Loire area and in smaller amounts in many wine growing areas.

It really is a most useful grape, making good wines of all types, dry oaked and unoaked, off-dry, sweet, late harvest, sparkling and some incredible very sweet dessert wines, and in South Africa it is also used used for making brandies.

Innovative California winemaker Randal Grahm, of Bonny Doon fame was recently quoted as saying "Chenin is one of the great misunderstood varietals. It has fabulous fruit and acidity, with fantastic botrytis potential" - and he says he will 'start producing Gruner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc and Riesling in large quantities from next year'.

I agree with Randal -- it is capable of makingsuperb wines.

Answer 2

The Chenin Blanc grape is grown in many places and is made into differing styles of wine. Check this site out. I don't know the origin of the word Chenin (french I assume)But blanc is white.

Answer 3

chenin blanc is the grape varietal and it comes from south africa, and the loire region in france

Answer 4

It comes from Many places.
Here is a GOOD info about Chenin Blanc:
http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/chenin.htm