What varietal fits this description:

A) Sauvignon Blanc
B) Pinot Blanc
C) Semillon
D) Chenin Blanc

ANSWER:
D) Chenin Blanc

Life as a double agent is hard on this grape's reputation. Jancis Robinson says it best, "...biddable workhorse in the New World, and a superstar in Anjou-Touraine." It would be fair to say that the character of the wine is defined by the climate. It has a naturally high acid level which makes it do well in warmer climates. The Central Valley in California (which grows a very high percentage of the Chenin Blanc grown in the New World) uses high yields to its own advantage as a base for many table-style wines. In Northern France, it creates the legendary high quality wines from Savennières, Vouvray, Quarts de Chaume and Mouelleux (a noble rot wine) style wines. In South Africa, the coastal breeze in Stellenbosch creates off-dry, fresh and slightly fruity whites that can be enjoyed everyday as well as wines of distinction.

In South Africa, Chenin Blanc makes up 30% of what's grown here. Yes, they use some of the juice as a backdrop to many blended wines, but Stellenbosch really is the area of South Africa that shows what Chenin is capable of.

This month, we feature two very different Chenin Blancs. Both are from winemakers who know how to craft this varietal into a wine with personality. One is inexpensive and has no oak on it. The other is featured in our Company's Coming selection and is a more thoughtful, fuller version. I do hope you have an opportunity to understand this double-agent grape.