Chenin Blanc is used to make everything from dry sparkling wines to sweet dessert wines.
Apple |
Pear |
Melon |
Pineapple |
Passion |
Honey |
Flowers |
Minerals |
Ripe Apple, Pear, Pinapple, and Honey are typical flavors.
Hint of Flowers and Minerals.
is known for its high acidity:
SUGAR | Dry | ||
BODY | Light | ||
FRUIT | Medium | ||
ACIDITY | High | ||
|
Aperitif |
Salads |
Vegetables |
Asparagus |
Olive Oil |
Fish |
Sushi |
Seafood |
Chicken |
Ham |
Soft Cheese |
Chips |
pairs best with Vegetables, Fish, and Chicken.
Excellent Pairing:
Spring Vegetables. Asparagus.
Light Salads. Chicken Salad. Ham Salad.
Prawns. Oysters.
Seafood. Squid. Crab.
Seafood Pasta and Risotto.
Fisk Cakes. Fish Paté.
Smoked Salmon. Trout. Sushi.
Cheese:
Soft Cheese. Goat Cheese. Feta. Robiola.
Chenin Blanc was born and raised in Anjou in the Loire Valley in France, where it often is called "Pineau de la Loire".
Like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc is very versatile, and today it is growing worldwide.
The grape has a high acidity like Sauvignon Blanc, but the wines come in all forms: dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling.
Chenin Blanc is a terroir-reflective grape with a rather neutral flavor profile.
Soil (terroir), climate, old vines, and winemaking technices can be much reflected in the wine.
In France, Chenin Blanc produces wines with high acidity, and flavors of Apple and Pear. In warmer climates, Chenin Blanc produces more tropical aromas like Guava and Pinapple.
The high acidity allows Chenin Blanc to produce a variety of wine types.
In Loire, early harvested grapes are used to create the sparkling Crémant de Loire.
Late-harvested Chenin Blanc, infected with noble rot, is used to produce dessert wines with well balanced aromas of Peach, Honey, and Marzipan.
Loire is the French wine region most closely associated with Chenin Blanc.
South Africa accounts for about 50% of the plantings of Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc is also commonly found in USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
A Tulip Shaped glass is the best choice for a dry white wine.
It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides, where acidity is less pleasant.
A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold.
Remember to hold the glass by the stem!