Chenin Blanc

About Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc has its heart in the Loire Valley, particularly around Anjou, Saumur and Vouvray. No white grape is so versatile: the same grape yields taut dry wines, fine sparkling crémant and pet-nat, and some of the longest-living sweet wines in the world.

Character

Typical are aromas of quince, ripe apple, pear, chamomile, honey and a hint of wax. What connects all styles is the high, lively acidity and a characteristic texture — sometimes a little woolly, sometimes taut and saline, always with depth.

In natural wine

Chenin is a favourite in the natural wine world. The firm acidity naturally protects the wine, which makes low or no sulphur possible. Spontaneous fermentation and some skin contact give textured, sometimes lightly orange wines; residual sugar that spontaneously stops fermenting produces beautiful sparkling pet-nats.

At the table

Very gastronomic: from oysters and fish dishes with the dry versions to poultry in a creamy sauce, foie gras or blue cheese with the richer styles.