South Africa Emerges As Wine Power
Tell Me More, April 23, 2009 · South Africa is challenging traditional wine producers Italy and France for a slice of the world market. Wine maven Callie Crossley, author of the blog The Crushed Grape Report , tells why South Africa is gaining popularity among wine connoisseurs. Grapes: Chenin Blanc (White) Chenin Blanc is an important white grape variety planted in the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions of the Loire Valley and the most widely planted varietal grape in South Africa. In the Loire it produces high quality dry wines in Savenniéres, and luscious sweet, dessert wines in Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume. In Vouvray and Montlouis it can be dry, medium dry, or sweet, and still or sparkling. Whether dry or sweet, the best Loire Chenin Blancs possess marvellously concentrated rich, honeyed fruit toge ther with refreshingly vibrant acidity. It is Chenin Blanc`s high acidity that enable the wines to age so well. In South Africa Chenin Blanc is easier to grow and is