Chenin Blanc: The Most Versatile White Wine You're Not Drinking (Yet)
Among wine insiders, Chenin Blanc holds a cult status alongside Riesling as a white grape with exceptional range, stunning elegance, and almost endless versatility. But for many casual wine lovers, it remains a mystery. Is Chenin Blanc dry or sweet? Fruity or mineral? Light or full? The answer, depending on the bottle in your hand, could be “all of the above.”
At the best online wine store, Bottle Barn, we believe this under-the-radar grape deserves more attention. So, let’s break it down and explore why Chenin Blanc should be in your glass this season.
What Does Chenin Blanc Taste Like?
In terms of a Chenin Blanc flavor profile, versatility is the name of the game. Chenin Blanc can taste like green apple, pear, peach, lime, mandarin orange, or honeydew. It may carry hints of quince, passionfruit, ginger, or lemon verbena. And when aged, it can express flavors of nuts, beeswax, and dried fruit. But whether it’s dry, off-dry, or sweet, Chenin Blanc always brings high acidity to the table—making it a fantastic food wine. When you buy Chenin Blanc online, Bottle Barn offers a full range of flavor and style options.
But there’s more . . .
Is Chenin Blanc Wine Dry or Sweet? Yes.
One of the most common questions about Chenin Blanc is whether it’s dry or sweet. The answer is, it depends on the style chosen by the winemaker.
- Dry Chenin Blanc is crisp and citrusy, with notes of green apple, pear, and a mineral edge.
- Off-dry Chenin Blanc (sometimes labeled “sec tendre” in France) balances acidity and fruit with a touch of residual sugar—great with spicy food.
- Sweet Chenin Blanc includes some of the most revered dessert wines in the world, like Quarts de Chaume, Bonnezeaux, and Coteaux du Layon from France’s Loire Valley. These are rich, honeyed wines, often made from botrytized grapes.
Chenin Blanc also ages beautifully. Over time, its fresh fruit notes evolve into layers of honey, hazelnut, and spice.
Chenin Blanc Around the World
South Africa: The Chenin Powerhouse
Over half the world’s Chenin Blanc grows in South Africa, where it’s known as Steen. Once relegated to bulk blends, Chenin Blanc has become a darling of South Africa’s new wave winemakers.
Try the 2024 Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc, from a renowned South African producer. Another great option is the 2021 Great Heart Chenin Blanc, which garnered 93 points from Wine & Spirits.
2024 Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc
California’s Comeback Chenin
Chenin Blanc also has deep roots in California. In Clarksburg, Amador County, and Lodi, passionate winemakers are bringing it back.
One standout is Craig Haarmeyer, based in Sacramento. He works with multiple vineyards to craft terroir-driven Chenins, including the “Iris” bottling, a dry wine from the Aparicio Vineyard showing racy acidity and serious minerality. The Cresci Chenin Blanc from Lodi, by contrast, offers jasmine and ginger on the nose. Another great choice is the 2022 Moshin Vineyards Green Valley Vineyard Chenin Blanc, a veritable Gold Medal Winner. These wines prove that California Chenin can be just as exciting and ageworthy as their French counterparts.
2022 Moshin Vineyards Green Valley Vineyard Chenin Blanc - Gold Medal Winner
Argentina’s New White Star
Argentina, known mostly for Malbec, is in the midst of a Chenin Blanc renaissance. In Mendoza, producers like Roberto de la Mota (La Primera Revancha) are crafting beautifully balanced Chenin wines with white flowers, stone fruits, and vibrant acidity. Between 2010 and 2021, Chenin Blanc sales in Argentina rose over 23%.
Don’t Overlook Sparkling Chenin
Chenin Blanc also shines as a base for sparkling wine. Whether made using the traditional (Champagne) method or Charmat (tank) method, these bubbles deliver zest, minerality, and citrus fruit—perfect for summer celebrations. Think quince, ripe yellow apple, and a soft floral lift with every sip.
Chenin Blanc Winemaking Choices Matter
Many winemakers highlight Chenin’s subtlety by fermenting in concrete or neutral vessels, preserving freshness and aromatics. Some skip malolactic fermentation to retain that signature zing. Look for bottlings with native yeast fermentation or notes on aging in foudres or amphora to get a sense of the winemaker’s style.
Also Read: The Role of Acidity in Wine
Chenin vs. Sauvignon Blanc: What’s the Difference?
Both grapes bring high acidity and pair well with food, but their flavor profiles diverge:
Sauvignon Blanc tends to be zesty and herbal, with grassy and citrus-driven aromas. It’s perfect with salads and seafood.
Chenin Blanc, by contrast, offers a broader palette—think apple, pear, quince, and sometimes honey or florals. It complements creamy sauces, spicy dishes, and soft cheeses like chèvre. So if you love Sauvignon Blanc but want to explore a more textured, layered white wine, Chenin is your next stop.
Ready to Explore Chenin Blanc?
From the limestone hills of Vouvray to the coastal breezes of South Africa, and from the Sacramento Delta to Mendoza’s high desert, Chenin Blanc shows remarkable range. Whether you prefer it bone dry, lusciously sweet, or somewhere in between, there’s a Chenin Blanc out there waiting for you.
Explore our Chenin Blanc selection at Bottle Barn’s online wine store today—and taste what the buzz is all about.
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