Cards of Wine

Chenin Blanc Dry (France)

Chenin Blanc is used to make everything from dry sparkling wines to sweet dessert wines.

Typical Flavors


Apple
Apple
Pear
Pear
Melon
Melon
Pineapple
Pineapple

Passion
Passion
Honey
Honey
Flowers
Flowers
Mineral
Minerals

Ripe Apple, Pear, Pinapple, and Honey are typical flavors.

Hint of Flowers and Minerals.

Profile

is known for its high acidity:

SUGARDry
BODYLight
FRUITMedium
ACIDITYHigh
Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Food Pairing


Aperitif
Aperitif
Salads
Salads
Vegetables
Vegetables
Asparagus
Asparagus

Olive Oil
Olive Oil
Fish
Fish
Sushi
Sushi
Crab
Seafood

Chicken
Chicken
Ham
Ham
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese
Chips
Chips

pairs best with Vegetables, Fish, and Chicken.

Pairing Suggestions

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.

About Chenin Blanc

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 Styles

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.

Chenin Blanc in Europe

France

Loire is the French wine region most closely associated with Chenin Blanc.

Chenin Blanc in the New World

South Africa

South Africa accounts for about 50% of the plantings of Chenin Blanc.

Chenin Blanc is also commonly found in USA, Australia, and New Zealand.


The Ideal Glass

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!