2007 Chambers and Reed California Chenin Blanc

About This Wine

Sugar, diamonds, oil field equipment... and Chenin Blanc?

What could these things possibly have in common? They are among the most successful of all products exported from France to the United States. In the case of Chenin Blanc, we’re talking about both wines and vines.

Although the native region for Chenin Blanc is the Loire Valley (where the grape is often called Pineau de la Loire), there is less planted in all of France than in most wine-producing countries of the New World. It is planted as Pinot Blanco in Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Argentina, where there are more than 10,000 acres. Nearly a third of all vines in South Africa are Chenin Blanc, where it also is called Steen. And in California, it is the third most widely planted white wine grape.

Chambers and Reed sources its Chenin Blanc grapes from some of California’s top growers, then crafts it into a world-class wine — a wine that benefits from its French roots.

About Chenin Blanc

Native of Loire valley in France. Grapes have high acidity and need plenty of sun to ripen. The foundations of great long-lived whites, such as Vouvray. In South Africa and California can give soft, fruity wines with notes of melon, peach and citrus.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:99% Chenin Blanc and 1% Other White Varieties
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions
• Aromas & Flavors:Flowers, Honey, Baked Apple Tart and Citrus
• When to Drink:Now Through Mid-2010
• Food Pairing Suggestionchicken, shellfish, or seafood chowder.

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