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.

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The Vouvray Region

Chenin Blanc is the dominant white grape in the Vouvray region in the Loire Valley. The region has its own terms to describe Chenin Blanc:

• Methode Traditionelle – Sparkling Chenin Blanc.

• Sec – Dry Chenin Blanc.

• Tendre – Off-dry Chenin Blanc (perhaps the most popular style in France).

• Moelleux – Sweet Chenin Blanc (dessert wine style).

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The Anjou Region

Anjou is best known for sparkling Chenin Blanc (Anjou Mousseaux and Crémant de la Loire).

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Côteaux du Layon

Sweet Chenin Blanc from Côteaux du Layon, made with noble rot, are amazing, and world famous (Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux).

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The Montlouis Region

The Montlouis region produces high quality Vouvray style dry Chenin Blanc.

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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.

Wine Region Loire