Chenin Blanc

What you can expect to taste and smell?

Primary Flavours & Aromas

• Citrus, Green fruits, Herbacous

Cool vs. Warm Climate

Cool Climate: In cooler regions, Chenin Blanc maintains its zesty acidity and green fruit character, often producing dry and sparkling wines.

Warm/Hot Climate: In warmer areas, it develops riper fruit flavors and is suitable for both dry and sweet wine styles. Chenin Blanc is remarkably adaptable to different climates.

Secondary

• France - typically Unoaked
• South Africa - Oak maturation

Tertiary

• Richer, rounder - Toast, Honey, Hay

Sparkling

in the Loire, confusingly you can find at least two sparkling wines made from chenin:

• Cremant de Loire - made from barely ripe fruit

• Vouvray Appelation … sold as Methode Traditionnelle

Appellations / Producers of Note

Viticulture

Reputation for berries uneven ripening - means pickers may have to make two or three passes picking individual berries

Age-worthiness

Chenin Blanc is delightful when young, offering its primary fruit and floral character.

However, it can age gracefully, evolving into wines with complex tertiary aromas and flavors, often with a beautiful balance of acidity and texture.

Aging Potential: Not suitable for aging

Meet the author

Damien Saunders
WSET3 award - Has been on a journey to learn more about wine, viticulture since I started travelling. Every country has something to drink.
Find our more about me.