Chinin blanc was a popular choice for sweet white wines in California during the mid-20th century, before chardonnay and sauvignon blanc became more popular. It’s been a decade since the state’s chenin blanc vineyards were rediscovered and a new generation of wine drinkers became interested in them.
If you’re looking for chenin blanc in any other place besides Limoux in the Languedoc, where it’s part of the Crémant de Limoux wine blend, you’re going to have to look elsewhere.
My plan for this month was for us to drink chenin blanc from the Touraine region of France, South Africa’s Swartland, and Dry Creek Valley of California. The purpose of the tasting is not to examine the terroir in minute detail, but rather to provide attendees with an opportunity to sample a wide range of wines. I recommend the following three:
- Swartland Chenin Blanc Secateurs 2019 by A.A. Badenhorst, $16 at Broadbent Selections in Sonoma, CA.
- Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2019 by Leo Steen costs $18.
- For $35, Louis/Dressner Selections, New York offers Bernard Baudry Chinon Blanc Le Domaine 2019.
As a result of President Trump’s tariffs on some European wines and spirits in 2019, the price of the Baudry may have been increased, albeit this duty has been placed on hold for now as the United States and Europe strive to resolve their trade disagreements.
More About Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is an easy wine to like. It can be adjusted in terms of both style and sweetness to suit a wide range of preferences.
Summertime whites and sparkling wines made from Chenin Blanc are often light and dry. You can also get Chardonnay-like oak-aged varieties here. Therefore, you can find the perfect Chenin Blanc wine for any event.
This manual provides a variety of suggestions for enjoying Chenin Blanc like a seasoned connoisseur in terms of both purchasing and serving.
Chenin Blanc Offers a Wide Range of Flavors
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine with a wide array of characteristics. The method of winemaking plays a significant role in this.
- When the grapes are fermented dry and stored cold, they yield a minerally style Chenin Blanc with tangy pear, quince, ginger, and chamomile characteristics.
- Richer flavours of ripe pear, ginger, jasmine, passion fruit, and honeycomb are present in off-dry wines because some of the natural sugars from the grapes have been left in the wine.
- Chenin Blanc comes in a spectrum of sweetness levels, with sweeter versions evoking flavours like dried persimmon, toasted almond, mango, ginger, and mandarin orange.
- Chenin Blanc’s signature quince, yellow apple, plum, ginger, and floral notes may be found in a wide variety of sparkling styles, from dry (Brut) to sweet (Demi-Sec).
Meals that Go Well with Chenin Blanc
Imagine a combination of sweet and sour flavours. Chenin Blanc goes well with dishes that combine sweet and sour flavours due to its high acidity and naturally sweet taste.
Chenin Blanc with a richer and sweeter style is a perfect complement to the spicy flavours of Southeast Asian food or pork chops with apples.
Turkey
Howdy, Thanksgiving Turkey! Plenty of white wines can provide moisture to a dry turkey. Pair your Thanksgiving meal with a fine South African Chenin Blanc. Even cranberry sauce won’t be a problem for it.
To Season With Herbs and Spices
Nutmeg, Macadamia Nut, Cashew Nut, Sesame Seed, Cinnamon, Dill, Tarragon, Turmeric, Ginger, Fenugreek, Fennel, Clove, Marjoram, Allspice, Red Pepper Flakes, Cilantro, Cumin, Coriander, Fennel
Complementary Cheeses
Chenin Blanc pairs well with soft and semi-firm cheeses made from cow’s milk, such as triple-cream brie, gruyere, cream cheese, yoghurt, and cheddar. Goat cheeses with a herb crust are another great option.
Produce and Vegetarian Dishes
Cucumber, Savoy cabbage, Oyster mushrooms, Corn, Red Bell Pepper, Apple, Quince, and Pear
