Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc (pronounced she-nin-blongk) is loved in the world of white wines for its sharp acidity, complex flavours and distinctive flinty notes. Chenin Blanc vines produce plump, round berries in generous yields. But what’s really fascinating about the grape is its adaptability. It produces various wine styles, from sparkling to still, from dry to luxuriously sweet. When picked as a late-harvest grape or a noble rot-infected grape, it can be used to make age-worthy sweet dessert wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just exploring, our Chenin Blanc collection promises a delightful experience. Dive into our selection and find the ideal bottle for your next gathering.

Chenin Blanc is grown worldwide, but its origins lie in France’s Loire Valley, with a history dating back to the ninth century.

When first produced, Chenin Blanc was used to make sweet white wines, sparkling and still, to serve as dessert wines.

Fast forward to today, and Chenin Blanc has found a second home in South Africa, where it’s the most widely planted grape. What’s special about this grape? Even in warmer climates, it maintains a sharp acidity.

This makes it a top choice for dry whites and a great partner for blending with other white grapes. And while its heart may be in France and South Africa, Chenin Blanc has spread its wings to regions like Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and sunny California.

There are few grapes that can produce such a variety of styles as Chenin Blanc.

This has a lot to do with winemaking style. But there are a few distinctive qualities that unite wines made from this grape. Most Chenin Blancs have low tannins,  a medium body with a racy, zingy high acidity. This all makes for a really inviting, refreshing flavour profile and freshness needed to lift sweet wines and make very dry still wines or sparkling wines.

Expect flavours of quince, apple and lemon in your glass. Perhaps even a touch of honeysuckle, honey and white peach in riper styles. While candied orange peel and ripe pineapple lift those sweet dessert wines.

Impressively, Chenin Blanc can also age in oak barrels, which is another reason it’s highly valued by winemakers worldwide.

Chenin Blanc has vibrant and elegant aromas of quince, apple and floral notes. Flavours of melon and pineapple intertwine with mineral acidity, offering a crisp, refreshing finish. Certain styles of Chenin Blanc, produced in rockier climates, can contain smoky notes that accentuate its citrus flavours.

Chenin Blanc has a diverse range of complex flavours, including:

• Chamomile
• Apple
• Lemon
• Ginger
• Jasmine
• Quince
• Passionfruit
• Tart pear
• Saffron

Some of the sweeter styles of Chenin Blanc contain flavours of:

• Dried persimmon
• Mango
• Orange

When aged in oak, Chenin Blanc can develop additional flavours, including:

• Baked apple
• Butterscotch
• Lemon curd
• Marzipan
• Meringue
• Nutmeg
• Popcorn

Our top tip for finding the best example of Chenin Blanc is to look for ‘Loire Valley’ on the label.

In the Loire, Chenin is a premium quality grape producing truly world-class wines. For the best of the best, look for white wines from the Savennières region – the Loire’s answer to Sancerre.

Other top examples can be found from Vouvray, Anjou or Saumur.

Alternatively if you’re looking to try a sparkling variety from this renowned region, the phrase ‘Crémant de Loire’ on the label is your key. 

If you’re looking for a good value Chenin Blanc with a cocktail of fruity flavours and succulent notes, then choose one from South Africa or Australia.

With its vibrant fruity notes and sharp acidity, Chenin Blanc is a dream when paired with dishes that strike a sweet-and-sour balance.

Thinking of a Southeast Asian feast? This wine is a fantastic companion for sweet-and-sour pork, Thai green curry, Pad Thai and even those crispy duck spring rolls. On the veggie front, think dishes starring cabbage, cauliflower or carrots. And if you’re wrapping up with dessert, a tropical treat with guava or passionfruit will complement sweet Chenin Blanc beautifully.

For those cheeseboard moments, Chenin Blanc shines alongside milder, creamy cheeses. So, go ahead and slice up some Brie or crumble a bit of goat’s cheese to enjoy with your glass.

Lighter wines like Chenin Blanc are best served chilled – between 6-10  ̊C – and in a standard white wine glass.

Before pouring, let your bottle sit for half an hour outside the fridge or ice bucket to allow all those heady, floral aromas to release and reach their full potential.