Nick Jackson M.W. > Quotes

“But it is the shape of the acid structure that really sets Chenin apart.  Chenin Blanc has a crescendo shaped acid structure.  On entry, the wine feels quite soft and a bit structureless.  But as the wine remains on the palate, the perception of the acidity increases and increases and increases...until the taster must spit or swallow.  The acidity has a crescendo shape to it. Compare to Chardonnay or Riesling, where the acidity is felt immediately when the wine hits the palate and stays constant throughout: this is a totally different experience.  Here, the acidity comes on gradually but then dominates the finish.”
― Nick Jackson M.W., Beyond Flavour: The Indispensable Handbook to Blind Wine Tasting