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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.
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Nick Jackson M.W. (Beyond Flavour: The Indispensable Handbook to Blind Wine Tasting)