Chenin Blanc
A white grape originally from France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc dates back to at least the 9th century, where it was first recorded by the Abbey of Glanfeuil as growing on the banks of the Loire River. Chenin Blanc grapes are yellow-green on the vine and hang in conical bunches.
An early budding but late-ripening grape variety, Chenin Blanc produces low to moderate yields. It is a grape that, under the right circumstances, can benefit from the appearance of botrytis cinerea, or Noble Rot, a fungus that shrivels grapes and causes their juices to concentrate and intensify.
Vines can thrive in areas with clay, schist and sandy loam, but the soil type will often dictate what style of wine is ultimately produced. Calcerous clay, as is found in Vouvray, produces round wines with acidity that are anchored and substantial, while limestone-based soils bring forth more acidity than weight. Clay-based soils are best for the richer styles of Chenin Blanc that are typically vinified sweet.
A particularly identifiable grape based on aroma and palate, Chenin Blanc is often known for its notes of honey and straw. Wines are also often described as having a perceptible minerality, as well as a palate that is rich in stone-fruit flavors. Other fruits that are often prominent on the nose and palate include green apple, guava, pear and quince.
When Chenin Blanc is made into a dessert wine, it often develops more tropical and floral notes, including pineapple and white flower. Round and balanced on the palate, Chenin Blanc has the ability to age for a long time in bottle.
France
Some of the most famous Loire Valley wines—which run the gamut in style from sparkling to sweet to off-dry to bone-dry—are produced from this grape, including wines from the appellations of Vouvray, Savennières, Quarts de Chaume, Coteaux du Layon and Crémant de Loire.
South Africa
In addition to France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc is well known in South Africa, where it is also referred to as Steen. There, it can be traced back at least to the mid 1600s. South Africa has the second most Chenin Blanc in the world under vine, second only to France. While the grape was traditionally used as a blending component, today, it is the country’s most prominent white wine variety, capable of producing world-class selections that span the stylistic spectrum, from dry to sweet to sparking and just about everything in between.
Global Production
In Australia, Chenin Blanc is largely grown as a blending variety. The grape is often blended with Chardonnay, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc in wines produced throughout the country. Chenin Blanc in Australia is known for its much more pronounced tropical notes.
Elsewhere in the New World, the grape is still making a name for itself. New Zealand grows a small amount, most of which is produced in a sweet dessert style. In the United States, Chenin Blanc is grown in California—most notably in Napa Valley and Mendocino—Washington and Texas, although producers in New York, Missouri, Wisconsin and Arizona have recently begun experimenting with it as well. Growers in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico have long since used the grape in large production white wine blends. Canadian winemakers also grow Chenin Blanc in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, as well as in Ontario.
Synonyms: Anjou, Blanc d’Aunis, Blanc d’Anjou, Capbreton Blanc, Confort, Coue Fort, Cruchinet, Cugnette, Feher Chenin, Franc Blanc, Franche, Gamet Blanc, Gros Chenin, Gros Pineau, Gros Pinot Blanc de la Loire, Gout Fort, Luarskoe, Pineau d’Anjou, Pineau de Briollay, Pineau de la Loire, Pineau de Savennières, Pineau Gros, Pineau Gros de Vouvray, Pineau Nantais, Plant d’Anjou, Plant de Brézé, Plant de Salces, Plant de Salles, Plant du Clair de Lune, Quefort, Rajoulin, Ronchalin, Rouchelein, Rouchelin , Rouchalin, Rougelin, Steen, Stein, Tête de Crabe, Vaalblaar Stein, Verdurant
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Evidence 2021 Chenin Blanc (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsLovers of Chenin will find joy in this pure varietal expression. Find ...See Full Review$40 -
Monochrome 2021 Altered Images White (California)
California OtherRounded aromas of golden apple and pear meet with a touch of ...See Full Review$45 -
Stark-Condé 2021 Monk Stone Chenin Blanc (Jonkershoek Valley)
South AfricaThis wine was fermented in clay amphorae and French oak barrels. The ...See Full Review$21 -
Stellenbosch Vineyards 2021 Bushvine Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
South AfricaAromas of flowers and lime are delicate. Offering tropical, citrus fruit flavors ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Domaine de la Petite Roche 2021 Origine Chenin Blanc (Anjou)
Loire ValleyBright green apple and almond flavors emanate from this attractive wine. It ...See Full Review$25 -
Château de la Roche Bousseau NV Brut (Saumur)
Loire ValleyMade with 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Chardonnay, this wine has an ...See Full Review$24 -
Simonsig 2020 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
South AfricaLemon zest and saline notes are light and fade away easily on ...Best BuySee Full Review$14 -
Château de la Roche Bousseau 2021 Chenin Blanc (Anjou)
Loire ValleyThis textured wine has potential. In youth, it is nervy, with a ...Best BuySee Full Review$19 -
Raats Family 2021 Original Unwooded Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
South AfricaThis unoaked white is smooth and fruit-focused. It opens with lime, mango ...Best BuySee Full Review$13 -
Ken Forrester 2021 Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
South AfricaThis wine is aromatic, with herbaceous and oaky notes mixed with hints ...Best BuySee Full Review$15 -
Ridgeback 2018 Chenin Blanc (Paarl)
South AfricaThe nose offers ripe lime aromas. Barrel-driven flavors are prominent on this ...See Full Review$23 -
Avondale 2017 Jonty's Ducks Guardians of the Vines Pekin White Chenin Blanc (Paarl)
South AfricaThe nose is citrusy and delicate, exhibiting lemon and orange zest. On ...See Full Review$20 -
Robertson Winery 2021 Chenin Blanc (Robertson)
South AfricaThis opens with white flowers followed by lime and grass. It features ...Best BuySee Full Review$12 -
Avondale 2017 Anima Chenin Blanc (Paarl)
South AfricaThe wine is medium-bodied and has a tight nose that slowly reveals ...See Full Review$35 -
Kleinlerer 2021 Skin Contact Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg)
Central ValleyThis varietal Chenin spent 25 days on its skins, so be prepared ...See Full Review$25 -
Stellenbosch Vineyards 2021 Mountain Shadows Chenin Blanc (Western Cape)
South AfricaNotes of flowers and citrus fruit emerge from the glass. It has ...Best BuySee Full Review$13 -
Domaine de la Petite Roche 2021 Chenin Blanc (Anjou)
Loire ValleySoftly textured, this wine offers attractive fruitiness and apple and pear flavors. ...See Full Review$18 -
Domaine de la Petite Roche NV Brut (Saumur)
Loire ValleyBlending Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, this sparkling wine is full of fruit, ...See Full Review$23 -
Overhex 2020 Balance Chenin Blanc (Western Cape)
South AfricaSubtle pear and apple aromas are delicate. This everyday Chenin is light-bodied ...Best BuySee Full Review$11 -
Reyneke 2021 Vinehugger Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
South AfricaThe nose of this white leads with a heavy load of oak ...See Full Review$17
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