Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a white grape common in the Loire Valley of France. It is a versatile grape that can produce dry, off-dry, sparkling and sweet dessert wines. Also known as Steen in South Africa, wines made from Chenin Blanc usually exhibit floral aromas with apple and pear-like flavors and assertive acidity. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Chenin Blanc among our extensive Chenin Blanc wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Chenin Blanc reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Chenin Blanc, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Caves du Val de France 2005 Jovly Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
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- $11
This is a medium-sweet, pleasing almond and white-fruit flavored wine that, with its low alcohol, makes a good drink by itself. It’s a clean, fresh wine, has some good depth of finishing acidity and ripe fruits.
— R.V.
(3/1/2008)
Cedergreen Cellars 2006 Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))
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- $17
It’s uncertain how old this “old vine” fruit actually may be. Barrel-fermented in neutral oak puncheons, this is a rather soft, neutral white wine, that could pass for a Trebbiano or something similar. There’s a hint of almond along with some alcoholic burn in the finish, which nonetheless retains a crisp aftertaste, but otherwise there is not much flavor.
— P.G.
(3/1/2008)
Indaba 2007 Chenin Blanc (Western Cape)
- $9
Lively and balanced, this wine offers fresh fruit flavors and an undertone of minerality. A classic but uncomplicated white with a dry character that will pair well with fresh seafood—think ceviche—or Thai food.
— S.K.
(6/1/2008)
Alliance Loire 2006 Lieu-dit Les Fosses d’Hareng Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
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- $16
Juicy white currants and soft almond flavors go into this medium-dry wine. It has some softness and richness, but there is also a firm edge of structure and minerality to it. The aftertaste hints at sulfur.
— R.V.
(3/1/2008)
Domaine du Petit Coteau 2005 Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
- $20
Fresh, with nuts and cream aromas alongside apple flavors and some spice. This is crisp, clean and ready to drink.
— R.V.
(9/1/2008)
Caves du Val de France 2005 Les Troglodytes Sec Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
A dry Vouvray, which emphasizes the nutty side of Chenin Blanc, just pulling in ripe apple and a biscuit edge. There’s some spice to give zest to this attractive wine.
— R.V.
(9/1/2008)
Raats Family 2007 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
- $23
A sweet honey and floral aroma is edged by some candied fruit on this Chenin, but on the palate, its balance of honeyed sweetness and fresh acidity impresses. The wine lacks some of the seamless elegance that a good Chenin offers, but overall, is both pretty and accessible.
— S.K.
(9/1/2008)
Domaine des Grandes Vignes 2007 La Varenne du Poirier Chenin Blanc (Anjou)
- Online Exclusive
- $23
Superripe pear aromas are followed by fruit that hints at oxidation, very open and soft with an intriguing saltiness. Only towards the end does the wine show structure, with pineapple and peach flavors. The fruit is intense, but in the end, the wine seems to fall apart.
— R.V.
(9/1/2009)
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