Chenin Blanc is one of—if not the—most versatile wine grapes on the planet. It is produced all over the globe, from its ancestral home in France’s Loire Valley to South Africa, California and well beyond, expressing itself in various ways wherever it’s grown. The high-acid grape is best known for producing fresh, vibrant wines—especially when grown in cooler climates. But it’s also a shape-shifter made into a wide range of styles, including still, sparkling and pétillant forms, with varying levels of residual sugars that range from dry and off-dry to sweet.
“Wines made from Chenin Blanc have delicate aromas and flavors of apple, melon and honey and can be paired with the level of dryness or sweetness you most prefer,” says Reggie Solomon, Wine Enthusiast’s resident Loire Valley reviewer. “Chenin Blanc is truly the khakis or little-black-dress of wine that is an adaptable and versatile pairing partner at any table.”
Need a high-acid, light-bodied wine to match goat cheese or a rich cream sauce? Pick up a bottle from the Loire (Solomon suggests Vouvray, Montlouis-Sur-Loire and Savennières). Need something with a bit more ripeness and a fuller body? Consider a Chenin from South Africa or California. A nice bottle of bubbles to celebrate a special occasion? Sparkling Vouvray and Crémant de Loire have you covered. Sweet wine for dessert? Go for Coteaux du Layon.
Talk about breadth. “It’s astonishing that one grape variety can produce wines in so many styles,” Solomon says.
That said, although this diversity offers endless possibilities for pairings, it also makes it tough to narrow what to try next. Take out the guesswork by following the list below. From classic Vouvray and California old-vine expressions to new styles with a bit of fizz or funk, these are the best Chenin Blanc wines to buy right right.
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Field Recordings 2022 Chenin Blanc (Central Coast)
This blend of three old-vine vineyards (Jurassic Park, planted 1978; and Shell Creek and Cat Canyon, both 1972) is quite dynamic. The nose offers rocky riverbed, wool and lime pith aromas while the palate is lively with citrus, apple flesh and more wool flavors, proving both fresh and slightly funky. 93 Points — Matt Kettmann
$ Varies Plum Market
Husch 2022 Chenin Blanc (Mendocino)
This juicy wine has a little extra spritz in conjunction with generous acidity that brings flavors to life. Notes of vibrant capsicum, cut grass, just-ripe pineapple, lime leaf, lemongrass and a sea-air salinity bring to mind a tropical island. Suggested pairings include Thai green curry, fresh crab cakes with mango salsa, or seafood ceviche. Best Buy. 92 Points— Stacy Briscoe
$ Varies Taylor’s Wine Shop
Maison Darragon 2022 Les Tuffes Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
The wine is rich, while dry. It has a burst of fine acidity that gives the wine a freshness to balance the ripeness. This is a full wine with concentration and honey and lemon flavors. Drink from 2024. Best Buy. 91 Points — Roger Voss
$ Varies Tooscans
Common Thread 2022 Massa Estate Vineyard Chenin Blanc (Carmel Valley)
A touch cloudy in the glass, this bottling from a historic estate shows steel, wool, apple flesh and apple blossom on the dynamic nose. There’s a tactile texture to the palate where Meyer lemon and apple-flesh flavors align. 91 Points — Matt Kettmann
$40 Folktale Winery & Vineyards
Thacher 2021 Own-Rooted Shell Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc (Paso Robles)
This enticing and engaging Chenin Blanc comes from an old-rooted, older vineyard. Minerality hits the nose right away with wet sandstone and slate aromas, with dried white flower and lanolin scents that linger as well. The focused, pristine palate presents chalk and Asian pear flavors. 94 Points — M.K.
$ Varies Fishpaws Marketplace
Outward 2021 Shell Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc (Paso Robles Highlands District)
Brisk citrus, honey and beeswax aromas show on the nose of this bottling from old vines planted in 1971 on the eastern edge of the Paso Robles region. It’s tight on the palate, yet lively with citrus zest and wet stone flavors. 94 Points — M.K.
$ Varies Flatiron Wine & Spirits
Birichino 2022 Jurassic Park Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)
Subtle aromas of honey, crisp apple and pleasant honeysuckle meet with wet slate and light wool on the nose of this old-vine bottling. The palate is wrapped in a steely frame, offering delicate apple blossom and pear-flesh flavors, bolstered by a thirst-quenching and vibrant acidity. 93 Points — M.K.
$ Varies K&L Wines
Domaine Bourillon Dorleans 2008 L’Oppodum Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
Definitely mature, this wine shows intense spice and wood flavors. It is a rich wine, very dry with acidity. Certainly ready to drink, the wine reveals the fascination of old Chenin Blanc. 92 Points — R.V.
$ Varies Winestyle
Clos de la Coulée de Serrant 2021 Chenin Blanc (Savennières-Coulée de Serrant)
This iconic wine, with its own appellation, is dense and full of power. Its flavors of apricot and honey are balanced by great concentrated waves of richness and intense acidity. The wine is young and will age forever. Drink from 2025 at the earliest. Organic and biodynamic. 95 Points— Roger Voss
$159 Perrine’s Wine ShopShop Top-Rated Glassware:
Published: March 6, 2024
