Introduction

Chardonnay has long been considered the queen of white wines, loved by wine drinkers and winemakers alike for its versatility and ability to express the terroir. However, in recent years, another white grape variety has been gaining popularity and stealing the spotlight – Chenin Blanc.

In this blog post, we will explore the rising popularity of Chenin Blanc and why it is being hailed as the new Chardonnay. We will look at the history of Chenin Blanc, the characteristics of the grape and its wines, and the regions where it thrives. We will also compare Chenin Blanc to Chardonnay and see how the two grape varieties differ. Finally, we will address some common questions about Chenin Blanc and its future prospects.

Table of Contents

• History of Chenin Blanc
• Characteristics of Chenin Blanc
• Chenin Blanc Wine
• Regions Where Chenin Blanc Thrives
• Chenin Blanc vs. Chardonnay
• The Future of Chenin Blanc
• Conclusion
• FAQ

History of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Loire Valley of France. Its name is derived from the French word ‘chenin’ which means little oak, possibly in reference to the small acorns that the grape clusters resemble. Chenin Blanc has been grown in the Loire Valley for centuries and is still the most planted grape variety in the region.

Chenin Blanc was brought to South Africa in the 1600s by Dutch colonists, where it became known as Steen. It was widely planted in South Africa and used primarily for brandy production until the 1960s, when winemakers started to realize its potential for making high-quality white wines.

Today, Chenin Blanc is grown in many wine regions around the world, including South Africa, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. It remains most closely associated with the Loire Valley, where it is made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and everything in between.

Characteristics of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape variety that can produce a wide range of wine styles. It is known for its high acidity, which gives it its refreshing and lively character, and its ability to age. Chenin Blanc wines can range from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and simple to complex.

Chenin Blanc grapes have a thick skin and a tight cluster, which makes them resistant to rot and disease. This quality also allows them to be harvested later in the season, which gives them time to develop more complex flavors. Chenin Blanc wines are typically high in acidity, with aromas and flavors of green apple, pear, honey, and sometimes a hint of minerality.

When fermented and aged in oak, Chenin Blanc can produce rich and buttery wines with notes of vanilla and toast. When fermented in stainless steel and left unoaked, Chenin Blanc can produce crisp and refreshing wines with bright fruit flavors and floral aromas.

Chenin Blanc Wine

Chenin Blanc wines can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and from still to sparkling. Some of the most common styles of Chenin Blanc wine include:

• Dry Chenin Blanc: These wines are crisp, refreshing, and often have flavors of green apple, pear, and lemon. They can be made in either a fruity or steely style, depending on the winemaker’s preference.
• Off-Dry Chenin Blanc: These wines have a touch of residual sugar that balances out the high acidity. They can have flavors of honey, apricot, and peach, and can be made in a range of sweetness levels.
• Sweet Chenin Blanc: These wines are rich and luscious, with flavors of honey, caramel, and dried fruit. They are often made from late-harvest grapes or grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates the sugars in the grapes.
• Sparkling Chenin Blanc: These wines are made using the traditional method, just like Champagne. They can be either bone-dry or off-dry, and have flavors of green apple, pear, and toast.

Regions Where Chenin Blanc Thrives

Chenin Blanc is a grape variety that thrives in cool-climate areas where it can retain its high acidity and develop complex flavors. Some of the most famous regions for Chenin Blanc include:

• Loire Valley, France: Chenin Blanc is the most planted grape variety in the Loire Valley, where it is used to make a range of wine styles, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling. Some of the most famous Chenin Blanc appellations in the Loire Valley include Vouvray, Savennières, and Coteaux du Layon.
• South Africa: South Africa is the second-largest producer of Chenin Blanc wines in the world, after France. The grape is used to make a wide range of wine styles, from crisp and refreshing to rich and oaky. Some of the most famous South African Chenin Blanc regions include Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Breedekloof.
• California, United States: Chenin Blanc was widely planted in California in the 1970s and 1980s, but has since fallen out of favor in some areas. However, some winemakers are rediscovering the grape’s potential and are making high-quality Chenin Blanc wines in regions like Mendocino, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara.
• Australia: Chenin Blanc is a minor grape variety in Australia, but it is grown in some regions like Margaret River, Swan Valley, and Western Australia. Australian Chenin Blanc wines are typically crisp and refreshing, with flavors of green apple and lemon.
• New Zealand: Chenin Blanc is a rare grape variety in New Zealand, but a handful of winemakers are experimenting with it in regions like Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne. New Zealand Chenin Blanc wines are typically dry and refreshing, with flavors of apple and citrus.

Chenin Blanc vs. Chardonnay

Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are two of the most popular white grape varieties in the world, but they differ in many ways. Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Chenin Blanc	Chardonnay
High acidity	Moderate acidity
Thin skin	Thick skin
Tight cluster	Loose cluster
Green apple, pear, honey flavors	Butter, vanilla, toast flavors
Range of styles, from dry to sweet	Mostly dry, sometimes oaked
Thrives in cool climates	Thrives in warm climates

While Chardonnay is generally considered more of a food wine and Chenin Blanc is often enjoyed on its own, both grape varieties are versatile and can pair well with a variety of dishes. Chardonnay is known for its affinity with rich and creamy dishes like buttery seafood and chicken alfredo, while Chenin Blanc pairs well with lighter fare like salads, white fish, and poultry.

The Future of Chenin Blanc

The future of Chenin Blanc looks bright, as more and more wine lovers are discovering its versatility and complexity. While it may never dethrone Chardonnay as the king of white wines, Chenin Blanc is carving out a niche for itself as a unique and delicious grape variety.

As more winemakers experiment with different styles and techniques, we can expect to see even more exciting Chenin Blanc wines in the years to come. Whether you prefer a crisp and refreshing Chenin Blanc or a rich and buttery one, there is a style of wine out there for you.

In Conclusion

Chenin Blanc is a grape variety that has been around for centuries, but is only now starting to gain the recognition it deserves. With its high acidity, complex flavors, and ability to age, Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape variety that can be made in a wide range of styles. From the Loire Valley to South Africa to California and beyond, Chenin Blanc is thriving in many wine regions around the world, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

If you haven’t tried Chenin Blanc yet, we encourage you to give it a chance. You might just discover your new favorite white wine.

FAQ

What does Chenin Blanc taste like?

Chenin Blanc wines are typically high in acidity, with aromas and flavors of green apple, pear, honey, and sometimes a hint of minerality. When fermented and aged in oak, Chenin Blanc can produce rich and buttery wines with notes of vanilla and toast. When fermented in stainless steel and left unoaked, Chenin Blanc can produce crisp and refreshing wines with bright fruit flavors and floral aromas.

What foods pair well with Chenin Blanc?

Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes. It goes particularly well with salads, white fish, poultry, and spicy Asian dishes. It can also pair well with creamy and buttery dishes, depending on the style of the wine.

Where is Chenin Blanc grown?

Chenin Blanc is grown in many wine regions around the world, including France, South Africa, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. Its spiritual home is the Loire Valley of France, where it is made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and everything in between.