International Chenin Blanc Day
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc, yes, we know those. But Chenin Blanc is still a different story for many people. We understand that it’s white, but what on earth does this wine taste like?
From bone-dry to honey-sweet. Young, old, oak-aged, sparkling or not. And when it comes to price, there’s something for everyone. In short, that’s what a bottle of Chenin can be. Handy, but perhaps also rather bloody confusing because of that.
Chenin Blanc Day
And that’s why on Saturday 17 June we celebrate the existence of Chenin Blanc. We celebrate or commemorate something every day, so why not a grape too? So that we can all praise this wine (but above all, drink more of it, of course). And why not? Chenins come from New Zealand, Australia and the US, but especially the bottles from the Loire and South Africa are more than worth discovering.
Loire grape
The aromatic chenin blanc originally comes from the French Loire Valley. Unlike the Sauvignon Blancs from that region, Chenin Blancs – think Saumur and Chinon, for example – are fuller in flavour. Still fresh, though: citrus, with a sauce of peach, pear and honey. They’re often reasonably priced and not bad at all. And then there’s Savennières: a tiny region with truly fantastic wine. If you drink a beautiful, mature Savennières, there’s a good chance you’ll never drink anything else again. The same goes for a sweet Coteaux du Layon, by the way. It costs a bit, but you get something in return. And they even make sparkling wine from it. A great alternative to champagne.
That’s how Chenin Blanc becomes a true New World wine, which also performs brilliantly at the table.
From workhorse to thoroughbred
South African Chenin, by the way, was not exactly considered good wine for a long time. When the country adopted the grape, it was really little more than an overworked wine workhorse. Under the name Steen, it was mainly responsible for thin blends.
But these days, truly wonderful Chenins do come from the country. With a completely different character thanks to the warm climate. More tropical and riper than the average French bottle, and often somewhat more pronounced in oak. Preferably from old vineyards in areas such as Stellenbosch, Swartland, Olifantsrivier or Bot River. That’s how Chenin Blanc becomes a true New World wine, which also performs brilliantly at the table.
Taste along on Chenin Blanc Day
Connoisseurs and enthusiasts have known for a while. Now it’s our turn, because there’s still so much to discover with Chenin Blanc. A FavorFlav tasting panel assembled especially for the occasion lent a hand and approved these five – dry – Chenin Blancs.
Chinon Blanc – Domaine de la Noblaie | FR
€ 13,99 | Grapedistrict
citrus, pear, juicy
Saumur Elegance – Domaine du Vieux Pressoir 2015 | FR
€ 8,95 | Ockhuysen
apple, apricot, elegant
Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 2016 | ZA
€ 11,95 | WineMatters
orange, peach, fresh
Bellingham Old Orchards Chenin Blanc 2016 | ZA
€ 14,95 | among others at Perfectewijn.nl
tropical, floral, oak ageing
De Morgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016 | ZA
€ 27,45 | among others at Mondovino.nl
powerful, full-bodied, ripe, TOP!
