Chenin Blanc: The Ultimate Guide

In the vibrant world of wine, where bold Cabernet Sauvignons and subtle Pinot Noirs often steal the show, there’s a hidden gem, the delightful Chenin Blanc. This adaptable grape, much like an unsung hero, doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. However, those who’ve tasted its flavours know about its exceptional versatility. In this blog, we’ll journey through the history of Chenin Blanc in South Africa, examine its unique characteristics, and answer five common questions about this underrated varietal.

The Origin and History of Chenin Blanc in South Africa

The fascinating story of Chenin Blanc begins in the Loire Valley, France, around 845. In his essay, Charles le Chauve mentioned a “plant d’Anjou,” which he gifted to the Saint-Maur de Glanfeuil Abbey. Little did he know, this simple plant was bound for greatness, eventually taking the prestigious name of Chenin Blanc, named after Mont Chenin, in the 15th century.

Fast forward to 1655, Chenin Blanc was introduced to the Cape of Good Hope by Governor Jan van Riebeeck. This vine-cutting was among the first to arrive here. A landmark moment occurred on February 2, 1659, when the first grapes, known as steendruif and hanepoot (or Muscat d’Alexandrie), were pressed from three young vines, producing fourteen and a half litres of wine. These grapes are now known as Chenin Blanc.

The arrival of French Huguenots in 1688 brought a dramatic change to South Africa’s wine industry. After being forced out due to the revocation of the Edit de Nantes, these skilled winemakers used their expertise to greatly improve the quality of local wines.

Rising Popularity & Impact on The Winemaking Industry

By the 1950s, Chenin Blanc had become a top choice for South African grape growers because of its resilience against disease and wind and its high yield. As a result, it became the most widely grown grape in the Cape and South Africa is the largest producer of Chenin Blanc wines, producing a whopping 53% of the world’s Chenin!

Since 2010, South African winemakers have concentrated on improving their Chenin production. In 2014, the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Challenge was launched to recognise and reward exceptional Chenin winemaking. This competition not only celebrates great winemaking but also benefits farm workers and their communities by offering cash prizes. This is a testament to the significant impact of Chenin on South Africa’s wine industry history.

In his annual report on South African wines, esteemed wine writer and Master of Wine Tim Atkin selected Chenin Blanc as one of the standout performers out of the 2,206 wines sampled from 419 producers in 2023. With over 30 years of experience and a dedicated global following, Atkin’s recognition further solidifies Chenin’s position as a top-quality wine in the industry.

The Characteristics

Chenin Blanc is truly a marvel in the world of wine, boasting an incredibly diverse palate and aroma profile that captivates both connoisseurs and novices alike.

On The Nose

When you uncork a bottle of Chenin Blanc, you’ll be greeted with a captivating bouquet of aromas. Depending on its style and region of origin, you may detect hints of ripe quince, crisp green apple, juicy pear, and even exotic notes of passion fruit. There’s also a distinct floral undertone reminiscent of blooming acacia or fragrant honeysuckle, with a touch of honey and beeswax that adds depth and complexity.

On The Palate

Here are the Chenin Blanc taste profiles you can expect based on the type you try:

• Dry, flat Chenin Blanc: These boast a fuller body and higher acidity and so deliver aromas of flowers, yellow apple, pear, quince, apple, pepper, and straw, which can be accompanied by woody, smoky or mineral notes.
• Semi-sweet or off-dry Chenin: These wines exude riper fruit scents such as honeysuckle, guava and peach.
• Sweet Chenin Blanc: These wines are crafted from late-harvest grapes and offer concentrated hints of tropical fruits, honeycomb, ginger and marmalade. Noble rot, which sometimes affects the grapes, can introduce notes of saffron and smoke. 
• Sparkling Chenin: These are typically carbonated using the traditional method, and their sweetness ranges from dry to sweet, akin to Champagne.

Chenin Blanc wines frequently undergo an oak-ageing process where they mature in oak barrels instead of steel ones. This unique process imparts a smoother, butter-like taste to the wine, enhancing its complexity and making it more intriguing to the palate.

When tasting our award-winning  The River Collection Chenin Blanc 2023, you’ll notice it is crisp on the palate and exudes floral and fruity notes, particularly those of peach, citrus and sundried fruit. It undergoes a 16 day fermentation before it is settled and bottled.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Chenin Blanc a Dry or Sweet Wine?

Chenin Blanc wine boasts a remarkable range of styles, from dry and off-dry to sparkling and even sweet dessert wines. This makes this question a bit difficult to answer. The white wine’s diversity can be attributed to the grape’s growing location, whether it is used as a single grape varietal or in a blend, and the specific techniques employed during winemaking.

2. What is Chenin Blanc’s Alcohol Content?

The average Chenin Blanc alcohol content is around 13.5%. It can sometimes be as low as 12.5% ABV, though. This is attributed to its fuller body compared to most white wines. Additionally, due to its versatility, the drier types usually contain more alcohol than the ones with a fruitier profile.

3. Chenin Blanc vs Sauvignon Blanc: What’s The Difference?

Many wine enthusiasts wonder what the difference is between Chenin vs Sauvignon Blanc. Both the Chenin Blanc and the Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties originated in the Loire Valley of France from the Savagnin grape, but they are very different wines. Chenin wines tend to have a honeyed flavour profile, such as pear and apple, while Sauvignon Blancs tend towards the fresher flavours of grasses and green pepper. It is also fuller-bodied than a Sauvignon Blanc.

4. Which Foods Pair Well with Chenin Blanc?

Choosing the right food pairings is crucial to enhance the distinct style of this varietal. While a sweet version pairs delightfully with fruit-based desserts, it may not be the best match for a main course.

For a dry, sparkling Chenin Blanc, consider pairing it with lavish smoked salmon, seared scallops, or a decadent goat cheese salad. In fact, any food you’d typically pair with Champagne would also work well with this varietal.

An oak-aged Chenin Blanc complements a variety of savoury dishes beautifully. Thanks to its high acidity, this wine is a top choice during the festive season that pairs beautifully with Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. It can cut through the richness of a hearty meal, adding balance and unity to the flavour profile.

When it comes to dessert wine, accentuate the delightful ginger notes by pairing it with creamy cheeses such as brie. Sweet styles of this varietal pair wonderfully with a fruity pie or pastry.

If you are looking for the perfect pairing for our acclaimed The River Collection Chenin Blanc 2023, consider serving it with white meat dishes such as fish, chicken or pork.

5. How Versatile is it?

Chenin Blanc is a versatile player in the wine world, producing a variety of wines from sparkling to still. It’s a grape that takes on many roles effortlessly.

One distinct feature of this wine is its notable ability to age well. As time passes, the wine acquires deep, nutty tones and a nearly creamy texture, evolving into a sophisticated wine that can compete with top-tier white wines globally. Whether you’re tasting a youthful, lively bottle or an older, more richly layered one, Chenin Blanc has something for everyone.

Chenin Blanc at Bonnievale Wines

We can safely say that our Bonnievale Wines River Collection Chenin Blanc 2023 is one of the best Chenin Blanc in South Africa, as it won the double gold medal at this year’s prestigious Michaelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards and also won Gold at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge this year.

Bonnievale Wines’ River Collection Chenin Blanc 2023 is available to purchase online, and check out our Shop Wine Online for this month’s deals. To stay up to date on all things Bonnievale Wines, follow us on Twitter or Instagram. If you have any questions or would like to know more about us, then give us a call on 023 616 2795 or email info@bonnievalewines.co.za.