Which appellation produces both dry and sweet wines from 100% Chenin Blanc?

• A. Vouvray
• B. Saumur
• C. Mont Louis
• D. Quarts de Chaume

Answer: (A)

Chenin Blanc’s high acidity and sugar-accumulation potential let it produce wines from bone-dry to very sweet, all from the same grape in the right conditions. In the Loire Valley, Vouvray is the classic example of this versatility. Wines labeled Vouvray are typically made from 100% Chenin Blanc and can range from dry (sec) to off-dry (demi-sec) and sweet (moelleux), with some even sparkling. That broad stylistic spectrum from a single appellation and grape makes it the best fit for producing both dry and sweet wines.

By contrast, Quarts de Chaume is renowned for its very sweet, botrytized Chenin wines, not a range that includes dry versions. Saumur whites are often blends and not exclusively 100% Chenin, while Montlouis-sur-Loire (Mont Louis) also makes Chenin-based wines but is less commonly cited as the primary example of both dry and sweet styles within this specific choice set.