Summer’s Most Versatile White Wine: Chenin Blanc
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Chenin Blanc is like the chameleon of grapes because it blends in so well. It is said that you can find a Chenin Blanc wine for any occasion. When Chenin blanc is vinified dry it produces a lean, minerally wine with flavors of pear, quince, ginger and chamomile. Often there are also flavors of passion fruit, lime, honeydew, peach, persimmon and mandarin oranges with medium plus to high acidity. This lithe, dry style is summer’s favorite white.
While Chenin Blanc is a classic French White, today, more than 50% of the world’s Chenin Blanc comes from South Africa. South African Chenins usually exhibit floral aromas with apple and pear-like flavors and assertive acidity. Both countries produce Chenin wines that pair well with foods that have a sweet and sour element. Southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples paired with a richer and sweeter style Chenin Blanc will blow your mind. Think of Chenin Blanc when grilling up something special from our Butcher department, like Berkshire Pork. Our Bottles team put together a short list of some of their favorite Chenin Blancs in stock. Come into our store or call ahead to get your to-go summer wine!
South Africa
Lubanzi, Chenin Blanc Swartland
2019 | Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa | 100% Chenin Blanc
A wine that’s as beautiful as Cape Town itself. Lubanzi Chenin Blanc is 100% handpicked Chenin Blanc is drawn from a blend of older, dry farmed bush vines & younger, drip irrigated vines in South Africa’s famous Swartland region. Its deep straw color points towards both ripe freshness & complexity. The nose brings tropical & stone fruits, then notes of tangerine & lychee. The palate is round and fleshy, pushing forward lychee again, along with white peach, apricot & green apple, and a touch of acidity. There is brightness & a slight hint of freshly baked bread throughout. Creamy and lush with a nice core of bright acidity, the finish is long & soft. A lovely wine.
$15.99
Kloof Street, Old Vine Chenin Blanc Swartland
2019 | Western Cape, South Africa | 100% Chenin Blanc
This wine has a nose of sun ripened pears and wet granite. The palate has a vibrant acidity balanced by a soft, round texture and some pithy character. The wine has a fresh, mineral finish. Pale straw in colour, this wine has a nose of sun ripened pears and wet granite. The palate has a vibrant acidity balanced by a soft, round texture and some pithy character. The wine has a fresh, mineral finish. Best drunk young and served at 50 ˚F.
$18.99
Sadie Family Wines, Chenin Blanc Skurfberg Olifants River
2018 | Western Cape, South Africa | 100% Chenin Blanc | Robert Parker 93
Skurfberg Chenin Blanc (skurfberg means rigid mountain) is sourced from 88-year-old vines planted on Table Mountain sandstone. It shows crystalline purity, with bracing pineapple, green fig and melon rind notes and a steely, chalky finish. It’s very linear, very pure and very long. The nose opens showcasing pineapple with a rocky minerality, that is tightly wrapped with citrus and tropical fruits aromas. The palate is ripe, with golden apples and freshly squeezed lemon peel with an undercurrent of waxy bitterness. This medium-bodied wine has length, is well-balanced with high complexity and a long dusty finish. Powerful, intense, spicy with salty, biscuit-like notes.
$72.99
France
Lena Filliatreau – Saumur Blanc
2018 | Samur, Loire Valley, FR | 100% Chenin Blanc.
Lena is named for Fredrik Filliatreau’s Swedish mom. Organically farmed and aged on its fine lees for a year, this example of Saumur Blanc is lush, round, and refreshingly mineral driven. Very dry, with racy acidity on the palate that balances out a subtle nuttiness that adds surprising complexity to such an excellent value. Delicious! 100% Chenin Blanc. Fish and all kinds of summer salads. Organic
$18.99
Florent Cosme Vouvray Sec “La Motte’
2017 | Vouvray, Loire Valley, France | 100% Chenin Blanc | Wine Spectator 91
Aromas of honey and chamomile mark this ripe, fruit-forward white, certified biodynamic wine. underscored by vibrant acidity and savory mineral details. The persistent, mouthwatering aftertaste invites you back for another sip. Shows potential, but there’s no reason to wait. Pairs well with lighter fare, like salads, vegetables, white fish, halibut, flounder, snapper and soufflé. Drink now through 2027.
$22.99
Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau, Vouvray Cuvée Silex Sec
2018 | Vouvray, Loire Valley, France | 100% Chenin Blanc | Biodynamic
The soil of this wine sometimes gives hints of “flint”, emphasizing its mineral character, along with a fruity undertone from the ripeness of the grapes. Brilliant yellow gold, aromas of apple, pear and citrus fruit; ample and round on the palate, refreshing acidity in the finish. Slightly off-dry, sweetness balanced by the natural acidity. Outstanding with seafood such as scallops, langoustines and white fish in a delicate sauce.
$22.99
