
Chenin Blanc
Learn about Chenin Blanc — taste profile, popular regions and more …
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. While most would agree it reigns supreme when from its birthplace of the Loire Valley, Chenin is the most planted variety in South Africa. California’s Clarksburg appellation is also winning more notoriety for Chenin.
Tasting Notes for Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc makes a white wine. Drier versions commonly have characteristics of passion fruit, lemon, quince, green apple, saffron and chamomile while sweeter version express aromas and flavors such as yellow pear, white peach, melon, ginger and honeysuckle. When aged in oak, qualities like meringue and brioche can be found. Sparkling versions often have apple, ginger and floral notes.
Perfect Food Pairings for Chenin Blanc
Cool-climate Chenin Blanc has the chalky acidity to work with light seafood such as oysters and shellfish. Off-dry styles work well with the sweet-and-sour nature of Thai and Vietnamese food. The sparkling versions such as Saumur Mousseux, Vouvray Petillant and Crémant de Loire make amazing aperitif options that won’t bruise the pocketbook.
Sommelier Secrets for Chenin Blanc
South Africa actually has double the amount of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. It is believed that either the Dutch navigator, Jan van Riebeeck, brought the grape to Cape Town in 1655 or the Huguenots fleeing France brought it in 1685. Either way, the South Africans have favored it for many centuries and make it in almost every style. Today a new wave of dedicated producers has committed to restoring old Chenin vines and finding the most ideal new spots for this prized variety.
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- Sauvignon Blanc214
- Riesling150
- Pinot Gris/Grigio79
- Other White Blends70
- Rhône White Blends34
- Bordeaux White Blends31
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Tania et Vincent Careme Terre Brulee Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from Swartland, South Africa
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Sauvion Vouvray 2020Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2018Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
- WW
- W&S
- WS
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Chateau de Montfort Vouvray 2020Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine Vincent Careme Vouvray Le Clos 2019Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- V
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Domaine Vincent Careme Vouvray Spring 2019Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- W&S
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Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec 2020Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- RP
- WS
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Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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L'Ecole 41 Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc 2020Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg, Yolo County, California
- TP
- WW
- WE
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Indaba Chenin Blanc 2020Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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La Craie Vouvray 2018Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Lievland Chenin Blanc 2020Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Laffourcade Savennieres 2018Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Radley & Finch Alley Pack Chenin Blanc 2020Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Reyneke Vinehugger White 2020Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2019Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Black Pearl Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from Paarl, South Africa
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Catherine & Pierre Breton Vouvray La Dilettante 2020Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Gen del Alma JiJiJi Chenin Blanc 2020Chenin Blanc from Mendoza, Argentina
- WW
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Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Thierry Germain Saumur Blanc l'Echelier 2019Chenin Blanc from Saumur, Loire, France
- RP
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The Prisoner Wine Company Saldo Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from California
- WW