Page 93 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

BY TOM GABLE

BEYOND THE USUAL WHITE WINE SUSPECTS,

EXPLORING CHENIN BLANC largest producer of Chenin Blanc globally
in vineyard area, with an estimated 16,000

or many wine en- to 18,000 hectares (39,000 to 44,000 acres).
thusiasts, the In 2023, South Africa ex-
F world of white ported approximately
wine often begins and 45.9 million liters of
ends with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc.
or perhaps for those In France, the Loire
seeking a crisp alter- Valley is the historical
native, Sauvignon heartland of Chenin
Blanc, which we cov- Blanc (also known as
ered before. Pineau de la Loire), with
Adventurous wine fine 100% Chenin Blanc
drinkers explore the wines admired over the
fine Rieslings from decades. The region has
Germany and Austria, approximately 9,200 to
Pinot Grigio from Italy, 15,000 hectares (23,000
white Rhone blends to 37,000 acres) dedi-
from France, and Al- cated to the grape. In
bariño from Spain. recent years, the area
Hopefully, this column produced some 50 mil-
will encourage you to lion liters of PDO (Pro-
add one sometimes tected Designation of
overlooked varietal to Origin) wines.
your summer shopping In the U.S., California
list, Chenin Blanc, a versatile white wine leads with some 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres
grape in various styles from different con- in 2024).
tinents and appellations. Argentina produces a notable amount
Winemakers consider Chenin Blanc one of Chenin Blanc, with approximately 2,000
of the most versatile white wine grapes. hectares (4,940 acres) under production.
The wines can range from bone-dry and in- It's often used in blends to create light
tensely mineral-driven to sumptuously white wines.
sweet, botrytized wines to vibrant sparkling The Grape: A Chameleon in a Glass
wines - a wine you can match with a wide Some wine writers call it a Chameleon
array of foods. because it changes based on its environ-
South Africa is currently considered the ment and the style in which it is made. The

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