Chenin Blanc is arguably the most versatile of all wine grape varieties. Crisp, dry table wines, light sparkling wines, long-lived, unctuous, nectar-like dessert wines, and even brandy are all produced in various areas of the wine world, all of Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc, the most important white grape variety of the central Loire Valley, ranges in style from bone dry to medium sweet to staggeringly rich in appellations like Vouvray, Montlouis, Savennieres, and Coteaux de Layon. No matter the style, a certain floral, honeyed character, along with zesty acidity are the sensory trademarks of well-made Chenin Blanc. When conditions are right Botrytis Cinerea adds additional complexity and intensity. In all styles, expect high levels of acid that can provide tremendous amounts of balance to these wines, especially the sweeter varieties.
Chenin Blanc vines have a well-earned reputation for vigor, for they are resistant to many diseases and grow well in multiple soil types. In spite of its origins in the cool-weather Loire, the grape performs well in warm climates that are often inhospitable to many vinifera types.
Rarely does one see as drastic a difference in character between growing regions as in Chenin Blanc. Comparing the wines of the Loire Valley to those using the Chenin Blanc grape elsewhere in the world is often like comparing two entirely different grapes. Chenin Blanc is the most grown grape in all of South Africa, a nation known for its wine production, and produces some admirable wines in that country, especially from the Stellenbosch region. Unlike the Loire Valley Chenin Blancs, those from South Africa do not tend to be built to have the same complexities of character or to last as long. In general, they are somewhat more acidic and lighter, but still immensely drinkable wines.
In California, the wines made from Chenin Blanc tend to be mass-produced wines for general consumption, and as such are considerably more neutral in tone and character than the Loire Valley Vouvrays. It is rare for Chenin Blanc to be blended with any other grape, especially in its sweeter forms. When it is blended it tends to be combined with either Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, both of which complement Chenin Blanc’s acidity.
Pair dry Chenin Blanc with light fare, salads and goat cheese. With demi-sec (slightly sweet) wines, try pork or chicken liver pate. The balance of sweetness and acidity allows them to match perfectly with foie gras.
The Wine List Recommends these fine Chenin Blancs
Graziano Chenin Blanc
This domestic Chenin Blanc from Mendocino was made in a dry European style with crisp clean aromas and flavors of pears, apples and minerals. Its body is full and rich but well-balanced by good mouth-watering acidity.
Champalou Les Fondraux Vouvray
This French Chenin Blanc is semi-sweetcontaining some residual sugar, which gives concentration and fullness to the palate. White flowers dominate the nose and help bring into focus all of the wine's freshness, fullness, minerality and vivacity.
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