Chenin Blanc

First mentioned in the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, France, Chenin Blanc found a second home in South Africa, where it is also known as Steen.  This is an old varietal that trace back at least to the 15th century in France.  

During the 80’s, California had more acreage of Chenin Blanc planted than in France.  Mostly used in the production of jug wine blends from the central valley vineyards, the acreage has fallen dramatically to only stabilize recently.  The Clarksburg AVA in the Sacramento Valley had made Chenin Blanc its specialty.  Plantings can still be found in the Napa Valley as well as Mendocino and the Santa Maria Valley. 

Early budding and so susceptible to frost, the berries are relatively small and ripens midway in the harvest year.  New clonal varieties that are budding later have been recently developed.  Chenin Blanc is highly susceptible to be infected in the right condition by noble rot, creating some truly unique botrytized dessert wines with a long aging potential.

Mostly found in a drier style wine in California, the best example shows a refreshing palate associated with floral, mineral and citrusy aromas. Some wineries even introduced barrel aging, creating wine that have a richer bodied palate, while keeping the typical minerality of the wine.

As they age, Chenin blanc wines are prone to going through "dumb phases" where the wine closes up, revealing little aroma and varietal characteristics

  • Asian Cuisine: Chenin Blanc can be a great match for Asian dishes, such as sushi, Thai green curry, or Vietnamese spring rolls. Its acidity helps balance the spices and flavors found in these dishes. Consider pairing it with dishes that have a touch of sweetness or spiciness.

  • Salads: Chenin Blanc's vibrant acidity and fruitiness make it a good choice for salads. Pair it with green salads featuring citrus fruits, goat cheese, or light vinaigrettes. The wine's crispness complements the fresh flavors of the salad.

  • Seafood: Chenin Blanc's acidity and crispness make it an excellent companion for a variety of seafood dishes. Pair it with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or poached fish. The wine's acidity complements the delicate flavors of seafood.

  • Great Recipe: Spicy Grilled Shrimp