Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc – The multi-faceted white wine from France & the New World

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile white wine varieties, which presents itself in a variety of styles – from dry and mineral to opulent, mature and noble sweet wines. The grape variety originates from France, particularly from the Loire region (Vouvray, Savennières, Anjou), but is also successfully cultivated in South Africa (also known as Steen), California and Australia.

Chenin Blanc is characterised by its lively acidity, complex fruit aromas and great ageing potential. The wines often show flavours of green apple, quince, honey, white flowers and citrus fruits, while mature varieties also develop nutty, vanilla and spicy notes.

🔹 Dry Chenin Blanc (Savennières, South Africa, California): Fresh, mineral, with notes of apple, pear & citrus.
🔹 Semi-dry Chenin Blanc (Vouvray Sec, Demi-Sec, young Loire wines): Soft, with honeyed notes, stone fruit & floral aromas.
🔹 Matured or noble sweet Chenin Blanc (Vouvray Moelleux, South Africa Barrel Aged): Complex, creamy, with flavours of honey, apricots & almonds.

Thanks to its freshness, minerality and flavour, Chenin Blanc is an excellent accompaniment to fish dishes, Asian cuisine and mature cheese.

➡ Which dishes harmonise best with Chenin Blanc? Here are the ideal food pairings!

🥂 Chenin Blanc & food – the best food pairings

1️⃣ Fresh, mineral Chenin Blanc (e.g. Savennières, dry Loire wines, South Africa)

Flavour: crisp acidity, mineral, fruity.
Typical flavours: green apple, lemon, white blossom, honeydew melon.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Seafood & fish dishes → Oysters, scallops, trout, grilled prawns
✔ Light salads & antipasti → Fennel salad with lemon, vitello tonnato, bruschetta with avocado
✔ Vegetarian dishes & goat’s cheese → Asparagus with hollandaise sauce, quiche with leek

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Scallops with lemon butter & fresh herbs
– Asparagus with hollandaise sauce & roasted almonds

2️⃣ Aromatic, semi-dry Chenin Blanc (e.g. Vouvray Sec/Demi-Sec, South Africa, California)

Flavour: Fruity, slightly spicy, with fine acidity and honey notes.
Typical flavours: pear, quince, honey, camomile, stone fruit.

✅ Best food pairings:
Asian & oriental cuisine → Thai curry, Vietnamese summer rolls, chicken tikka masala
✔ Poultry & pork dishes → Duck with orange sauce, pork fillet with apple chutney
✔ Hearty vegetarian dishes → Pumpkin risotto, pasta with cream sauce & walnuts

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Thai prawn curry with coconut milk & lemongrass
– Pork fillet with apple chutney & roasted hazelnuts

3️⃣ Matured, complex or noble sweet Chenin Blanc (e.g. Vouvray Moelleux, noble sweet South African Chenin)

Taste: Full-bodied, creamy, with intense honey and fruit flavours.
Typical flavours: apricots, honey, vanilla, almonds, dried fruit.

✅ Best food pairings:

✔ Fine game dishes & upscale cuisine → Pheasant with truffle sauce, duck liver pâté, braised pigeon
✔ Mature cheeses & spicy flavours → Roquefort, Comté, blue cheese
✔ Fruity desserts & caramelised dishes → Tarte Tatin, crème brûlée, honey-almond tart

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Pheasant with truffle sauce & porcini mushrooms
– Crème brûlée with vanilla & caramelised almonds

🔍 Chenin Blanc & food pairing at a glance

🚀 Conclusion: Why Chenin Blanc is perfect for versatile dishes

Chenin Blanc is one of the most multifaceted white wine varieties. Whether as a fresh Loire wine, an aromatic semi-dry Chenin Blanc or a complex, mature Vouvray – this grape variety always offers the perfect wine accompaniment! 🍷

➡ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the recipes here! 😊🚀