Grape · White

Chenin Blanc

Also known as Steen in South Africa or Pineau de la Loire in France

Cool climate

About

Extraordinarily versatile grape from the Loire Valley. Naturally high acidity preserves freshness across dry, off-dry, sparkling, and luscious botrytis styles.

Typical profile

Body

Moderate

Acidity

Bright

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

green apple lemon quince honeysuckle

Aged · develops with bottle time

dried fig honey hazelnut ginger

Explore aromas

Oak influence

Possible

Aging

Dry styles sing at 2-5 years; great Loire demi-sec and botrytis wines age for decades.

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

France

Loire Valley

Brighter↑

The shapeshifter grape, anywhere from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Quince, pear, honeysuckle, and beeswax, with searing acidity that lets top wines age for decades.

New Zealand

Gisborne

A cult specialty: Millton's biodynamic Te Arai vineyard makes honeyed, age-worthy Chenin that put New Zealand on the grape's world map.

South Africa

Cape South Coast

Old-vine Chenin Blanc producing some of South Africa's finest dry whites

Coastal Region

Rounder↓

South African Chenin's heartland. Old bush vines on Stellenbosch granite and Swartland schist give tense, mineral whites: pear skin, beeswax, almond paste, and salty grip.

Paarl

Dryland old-vine Chenin in a richer, sunnier register: baked apple, honey, and surprising freshness.

Stellenbosch

Old bush vines in the hills give concentrated, quince-and-honey Chenin with the structure to age.

Food pairings

Loire Valley goat cheese soufflé with fresh herbsThai green curry with coconut milk and lemongrassPan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée and brown butterRoasted pork tenderloin with apple and thyme compoteMoroccan chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olivesHoney-glazed salmon with ginger and soy reduction

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chenin Blanc taste like?▼

Chenin Blanc offers fresh flavors of green apple, lemon, and quince when young, with floral chamomile notes. As it ages, it develops richer characteristics of dried fruit, honey, nuts, and beeswax.

Where does Chenin Blanc grow best?▼

Chenin Blanc thrives in cool climates, with its most famous expression coming from France's Loire Valley. The grape's naturally high acidity helps it maintain freshness in these cooler growing conditions.

What food pairs with Chenin Blanc?▼

The high acidity and versatility of Chenin Blanc makes it excellent with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses. Sweeter styles pair beautifully with foie gras and fruit-based desserts.

How does Chenin Blanc age?▼

Chenin Blanc ages exceptionally well thanks to its naturally high acidity. Over time, the fresh fruit flavors evolve into complex notes of honey, nuts, dried fruit, and beeswax.

Is Chenin Blanc similar to Riesling?▼

Both Chenin Blanc and Riesling share high natural acidity and versatility across dry to sweet styles. However, Chenin Blanc tends to be more textural and waxy with age, while Riesling maintains more mineral precision.