What is the wine style produced by the late harvest of Chenin Blanc in Savennieres?

The wine style produced by late harvest Chenin Blanc in Savennières is characterized as dry, full-bodied, and complex. This reflects the unique conditions and aging potential found in this AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) in the Loire Valley.

Savennières is known for producing wines from Chenin Blanc that, while they can exhibit ripe fruit notes and rich textures, have a reputation for their dryness and complexity. The late harvest allows the grapes to accumulate greater sugars and develop intricate flavors while retaining enough acidity to maintain balance in the wine. This results in a full-bodied white wine with layers of fruit, floral, and sometimes mineral characteristics.

In contrast, medium-bodied fruity wines would imply a lighter, less complex profile, which does not align with the reputation of Savennières wines. Sweet dessert wines typically suggest a focus on residual sugar, as seen in other regions known for late harvest styles, but Savennières is generally celebrated for its dryness. Sparkling wines are not typical in this area for Chenin Blanc, as the style here focuses on still, expertly crafted wines that showcase the grape's versatility and the terroir.