This noble grape, Chenin Blanc, has reigned over the Loire Valley since at least the 9th century, when monks from the Abbey of Saint-Maur are said to have cultivated its early forms. With time, it became the lifeblood of appellations like Vouvray and Savennieres, adapting chameleon-like to varied terroirs and climates.
Unlike many grapes that prefer predictability, Chenin Blanc relishes change. It flourishes as a sparkling méthode traditionnelle, a dry white, or a luscious sweet wine marked by noble rot—each style a facet of its royal repertoire. Few grape varieties can dance through such a range and still bear their origins with elegance.
The nickname “king” isn’t merely poetic—it’s earned through the grape’s role in shaping the cultural and economic identity of the region. As French Renaissance king François I expanded royal interest in the Loire in the 16th century, the wines of Chenin Blanc graced both local taverns and courtly feasts alike. In vino, regnum.
