The white grape variety (also K1) is a South African new variety between Chenin Blanc x Ugni Blanc(Trebbiano Toscano). The crossing was made in 1974 by Christiaan Johannes Orffer (1926-2008) at the University of Stellenbosch (Coastal Region). With the same parents the new breed Weldra was born. Chenel was bred especially for warm climates with intensive artificial irrigation and the resulting necessary rot resistance. The early maturing, high-yielding vine is resistant to botrytis and powdery mildew. It produces acidic white wines, which are often used for distillation. The variety is cultivated in South Africa in the Robertson area. The area under cultivation in 2016 was 33 hectares, with a sharp downward trend (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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