
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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Rooiberg Winery Game Reserve Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WE
- WS
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Domaine FL Anjou Blanc Le Chenin 2010Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Sec 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Chateau De La Roulerie Coteaux du Layon (375ML half-bottle) 2010Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
- WS
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L'Ecole 41 Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from Washington
- WE
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Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume 2010Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
- WS
- WE
- W&S
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Marc Bredif Vouvray (375ML half-bottle) 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- WE
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Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2010Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
- WS
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Domaine Vincent Careme Vouvray Le Clos 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- W&S
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Indaba Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- RP
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Sauvion Vouvray 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Saget la Perriere Vouvray Marie de Beauregard 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc (OU Kosher) 2010Chenin Blanc from California
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Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- WS
- WE
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Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc/Viognier 2010Chenin Blanc from California
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MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from Sonoma County, California
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Domaine des Baumard Carte d'Or Coteaux du Layon 2010Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
- W&S
- WS
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Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Montlouis Remus 2010Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Domaine Pichot Vouvray Coteau de la Biche 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- W&S
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Domaine Pichot Vouvray Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette 2010Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2010Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- RP
- WE
- WS