Chenin Blanc
ReferenceLoire Valley, South Africa
ABV11-14% — depends on style (dry to sweet)
Sub-styles
VouvraySavennièresSaumur
Tasting Notes
Green apple, quince, honey, lanolin, wet wool, chamomile, beeswax, lime zest. Chenin has a waxy, lanolin quality that's its signature — if you don't smell beeswax or wet wool, it might be Chardonnay.
Brand Guide
Well
Ken Forrester Chenin (SA, $10-14)
Call
Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec ($22-30)
Premium
Nicolas Joly Savennières Coulée de Serrant ($45-65)
Top Shelf
Domaine Huet Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux ($60+)
Explore Spirits
The Story
Loire's chameleon grape—transforming from steely mineral to honeyed opulence, yet always anchored by cutting acidity.