Why your next glass should be Chenin Blanc

Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, you’re probably familiar with the common white grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio. But today, we're talking about an unsung hero: Chenin Blanc - with its most famous regions being the Loire Valley in France and South Africa.

Chenin Blanc offers an incredible range of flavours and styles, making it a must-try for any wine lover. So here's why we think Chenin Blanc should be the next bottle you reach for.

Chenin Blanc offers something for every palate

Chenin Blanc’s diversity is truly remarkable. This grape can produce everything from dry, minerally wines to sweet dessert wines. It also produces sparkling wines - Pét Nat and the Traditional Method - offering a refreshing (and affordable) alternative to Champagne. If you enjoy variety, Chenin Blanc is your grape.

Chenin Blanc is a versatile food companion

One of the standout features of Chenin Blanc is its versatility with food. This wine’s high acidity and variety of styles—from bone-dry to lusciously sweet—make it a perfect match for a wide range of dishes. For example, pairing a crisp, dry Chenin Blanc with fresh seafood or a goat cheese salad. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious balance on your palate. An Off Dry Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, while Sweet Chenin Blanc is a wonderful companion to both sweet desserts and blue cheese (the salty-sweet thing is a winner). Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or hosting a gourmet dinner party, Chenin Blanc’s adaptability makes it a reliable choice.

Chenin Blanc has great aging potential

Unlike many white wines that are best enjoyed young, Chenin Blanc has impressive aging potential. Thanks to its high acidity, a well-made Chenin Blanc can develop complex flavours over time, transforming from fresh and fruity to rich and nutty with notes of honey and beeswax. Investing in a few bottles to cellar is a rewarding experience as you experience and taste the wine’s evolution. Keep some tasting notes handy to compare as the years pass. It’s a fun journey.

Chenin Blanc offers exceptional value

This is the bonus! In the world of wine, great quality can come with a hefty price tag. Not so with Chenin Blanc. This grape is known for offering excellent value for money. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bottle or a high-end wine, you’ll find that Chenin Blanc delivers quality across all price ranges. It’s an affordable way to explore different styles without breaking the bank.

The versatile wine flying under the radar

Perfect for pairing, great for aging, and affordable - what's not to love about Chenin Blanc! Next time you’re looking to expand your wine horizons, gather some friends and explore the different Chenin Blanc styles. You might just enjoy experimenting with different food pairings to find your favourite. 

To explore Chenin Blanc from Vouvray in the Loire Valley, click here.