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White Chenin, or Pineau de Loire, is a grape varietal that finds its purest expression in the Val de Loire.
The mild climate means its is wonderfully sweet and ripe, with sugar and acidity levels setting each other off, giving Vouvray perfect balance and a certain freshness. It can be laid down for several decades.
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It is also sufficiently vivacious to be vinified as "Fines Bulles" (fine bubbles) whilst retaining all its characteristic fruitiness.
Chenin can be recognised by its tight, heavy bunches of grapes which turn golden with the sun, and some years can even intensify and resemble Corinthian grapes.
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Chenin flowering
Flowering occurs in mid June.
It only lasts a few days and its success is a key factor for the quality of the year’s harvest.
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The terroir
The vines are planted on argilo-calcareous or argilo-siliceous soils on freestone bedrock.
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