Wines made from Chenin blanc grapes of Rio Grande do Sul
Discover the best wines made with Chenin blanc as a single variety or as a blend of Rio Grande do Sul.
Chameleon whites with taut acidity, ranging from mineral dry (Savennières, Vouvray sec) to off-dry and medium-sweet (Vouvray, Montlouis), sumptuous botrytised sweet (Quarts-de-Chaume, Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon) and brilliant sparkling (Crémant de Loire, Vouvray brut). Aromas of quince, apple, honey, white flowers, beeswax and flint. An Anjou variety, also star of South Africa's Western Cape.
Brazil's winemaking heart (~80% of production), Italian tradition. Recognised specialty: traditional-method sparkling wines (espumantes), fresh and fruity, based on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, among South America's finest. Accessible reds: supple, fruity Merlot (plum, cherry), fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon, dense, tannic Tannat. Round Chardonnay, light Riesling Italico, sweet, floral Moscato whites.