Vouvray is a French wine region in the Loire Valley located in the Touraine district just east of the city of Tours in the commune of Vouvray. The Appellation d'origine contrôlée is dedicated almost e
A sparkling Vouvray made from Chenin blanc
Viticulture has existed around the village of Vouvray since at least the Middle Ages
Hand harvest in Vouvray (domaine François PINON)
Vineyards in Vouvray are planted with a southerly aspect on a plateau.
Chenin blanc is a white wine grape variety from the Loire Valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make varieties from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines, although it can
A cluster of Chenin blanc grapes in Rochecorbon, France
The works of French writer François Rabelais indicate that Chenin blanc was a major grape in the Loire Valley by the 16th century.
Chenin blanc grapes, like these Sauvignon blanc grapes pictured, are highly sensitive to developing noble rot, which produces a unique style of wine.
Producers often harvest Chenin blanc by hand in a succession of pickings known as "tries". The grapes may be harvested as whole clusters or individual berries.