
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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Mulderbosch Block W Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- WS
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Storm Wines Jurassic Park Vineyard Steen 2013Chenin Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- WW
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Rooiberg Winery Game Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Fog Monster Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from Amador, Sierra Foothills, California
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Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Patient Cottat Le Grand Caillou Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from California
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Roark Wine Co. Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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L.A. Cetto Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from Mexico
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Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg, Yolo County, California
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Clos du Gaimont Vouvray 2013Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Marc Bredif Vouvray 2013Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Clarksburg Wine Company Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from California
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Champalou Vouvray La Cuvee des Fondraux 2013Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Domaine aux Moines Savennieres Roches aux Moines 2013Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Leo Steen Jurassic Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- WW
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Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- WW
- W&S
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Domaine de la Bergerie Savennieres Clos Le Grand Beaupreau 2013Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Protea Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2013Chenin Blanc from South Africa
- WW
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Saget la Perriere Vouvray Marie de Beauregard 2013Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Nicolas Joly Savennieres Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2013Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
- W&S