Pronounced - shenin blonk
French in origin and grown extensively in the Loire Valley and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines. The largest plantings of chenin blanc are in South Africa (30,000ha) followed by California. In Australia, chenin blanc was incorrectly called semillon in Western Australia and Albillo sherry in South Australia.
Young dry styles can show green tart apples and pears. General descriptors are herbaceous, herbal, and grassy through to more exotic tropicals of passionfruit with more developed notes of almonds and honey. A mineral metallic hardness can be produced on the palate with firm tight acidity while at the same time honey. This is often referred to as a paradox. Nuttiness is not uncommon. Semi-sweet and sweet styles will be more honeyed but still retain a tight acid structure.
