Collection: Chenin chenin chenin

Recently while in conversation with a close sommelier friend, he mentioned to me that if he had to choose an “island wine” or “island grape” i.e. only one grape you could drink for the rest of your life, it would be Chenin Blanc. His reasoning was simple, it’s delicious and it can do just about anything wine style-wise. Chenin can make wines which are completely bone dry and chiseled or, round, rich, and textured, it can make excellent sparkling wines, and it can make lusciously sweet dessert wines. Very few grape varieties can play so many different roles so well. 

Why you might ask? Well, it comes down to the fact that Chenin Blanc has naturally very high acidity, which allows for these different styles of wine to remain vibrant and fun. But that’s the best part because, even if you don’t love super high acid wines, then choose a richer, rounder and more textured style of Chenin, say from the region of Vouvray, in the Loire Valley, France. Here Chenin Blanc tends to lean more towards this rich, creamy, waxy textured expression, with very ripe orchard fruit notes of quince and apple, and typically some honeyed notes as well. All the while, staying dry, but giving the feeling of softness and less acidic. 

Chenin Blanc is a great transmitter of terroir as well, when grown on very clay-heavy soils, the wines are broad and really fill the mouth with a big feeling, and when they are grown on more limestone-driven soils, they feel more linear, filigrain and elegant. And of course, it pairs magically with food! Because of the versatility of styles, Chenin Blanc goes great with all kinds of cuisine and ingredients. Seafood, like poached Monkfish in a beurre blanc sauce, or grilled chicken skewers with a spicy BBQ sauce. Chenin will work beautifully with these dishes and more. 

We have highlighted the beautiful Chenins we offer here- take a look through, and whether you’ve never tried a Chenin Blanc before, or you’ve had many- dig in and check out the beautiful variety of styles we have to offer!