All about Chenin Blanc

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.

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Classic Series Wine Club Membership
Classic Series Membership
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From $42
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Limited Series Membership
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From $52

Pairings for Chenin Blanc

Southeast Asian Cuisine
Southeast Asian Cuisine

Southeast Asian Cuisine

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Poultry and White Meats
Poultry and White Meats

Poultry and White Meats

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Soft and Semi-Firm Cheeses
Soft and Semi-Firm Cheeses

Soft and Semi-Firm Cheeses

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