What to Pair Your Chenin Blanc With

3 Recipes for Chenin Blanc

Southeast Asian Cuisine

Southeast Asian Cuisine

Description :

The high acidity and natural sweetness of Chenin Blanc make it an excellent match for sweet and sour dishes commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisine. Dishes like Thai green curry or pork with apple sauce pair well with a richer, off-dry Chenin Blanc

Poultry and White Meats

Poultry and White Meats

Description :

Chenin Blanc pairs well with lighter meats like chicken, turkey, and pork chops. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, while its fruitiness complements the savory flavors.

Soft and Semi-Firm Cheeses

Soft and Semi-Firm Cheeses

Description :

The bright acidity and fruit-forward nature of Chenin Blanc make it a great pairing with cheeses such as Brie, Gruyere, and goat cheese. The wine enhances the creamy texture and mild flavors of these cheeses.

More on Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a highly versatile white wine grape variety originating from the Loire Valley in France but now widely grown in South Africa. Known for its ability to produce a range of styles—from bone-dry to lusciously sweet and even sparkling wines—Chenin Blanc is characterized by its high acidity and varied flavor profiles.

Appearance:

  • Color: Chenin Blanc wines typically have a pale straw to deep golden hue, depending on the style and aging process.
  • Opacity: Generally clear and bright, with a reflective quality that showcases its freshness and vitality.

Aroma:

  • Primary Aromas: Green apple, pear, quince, and citrus fruits such as lemon and mandarin orange.
  • Secondary Aromas: Depending on the winemaking style, secondary aromas might include floral notes like honeysuckle and jasmine, along with hints of ginger and chamomile in off-dry or slightly aged wines.
  • Tertiary Aromas: In aged Chenin Blancs, particularly those affected by noble rot, you may encounter complex aromas of honey, dried apricot, fig, toasted almond, and saffron

Flavor Profile:

  • Fruit Flavors: The wine is known for its flavors of tart pear, quince, apple, peach, and tropical fruits like mango and passionfruit in richer styles.
  • Other Flavors: Honey, ginger, and flintiness, particularly in wines from cooler climates. In sweet and dessert styles, notes of dried fruits, caramel, and orange marmalade are common.
  • Oak Influence: While many Chenin Blanc wines are unoaked to preserve their freshness, some winemakers choose to age the wine in oak barrels, adding flavors of vanilla, baked apple, and nutty characteristics.

Structure:

  • Body:Light to full-bodied, depending on the style and region of production.
  • Tannins: Minimal to none, as it is a white wine, but some phenolic bitterness may be present, especially in more structured styles.
  • Acidity: High acidity providing a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and enhancing its aging potential.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 11% to 14%, with some styles reaching higher alcohol levels depending on the ripeness of the grapes.

Popular Locations for Chenin Blanc

1 3