Variety
WhiteChenin Blanc
Also known as: Pineau de la Loire, Steen
Versatile white variety of the Loire with high acidity; ranges from dry to nobly sweet and sparkling, and is grown in Western Australia.
Portrait
Chenin Blanc originates in the Loire Valley, where it has been cultivated in Anjou and Touraine since the Middle Ages; there it is also called Pineau de la Loire. In South Africa, where it is called Steen, it is one of the most planted varieties. The Loire appellations Vouvray, Savennières and Coteaux du Layon show the full range from dry to nobly sweet.
The vine buds early, ripens late and has thin-skinned berries that are susceptible to noble rot; yields are high given good vigour and must be limited. Limestone, tuffeau and schist soils are well suited. In Western Australia the variety thrives mainly in the Swan Valley and Margaret River and gives wines with tropical fruit, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc or Sémillon. High acidity gives the wines great ageing potential.
Chenin Blanc goes with fish, poultry, pork, goat's cheese and mildly spiced Asian cooking; sweet qualities accompany fruit desserts.
Taste profile
Six axes — acidity, sweetness, body, tannin, aroma intensity and depth — on a 0–5 scale, based on typical style. Real wines vary by region and producer.
Typical aromas — Chenin Blanc
These 7 aromas typically define Chenin Blanc. Actual taste experience varies by region and style.
Quince
Apple
Honey
Chamomile
Wax
Citrus
Nut
Chenin Blanc aroma families
These aroma categories are characteristic of Chenin Blanc. Other varieties have different focuses.
Fruit aromas are the most common and come directly from the grape, ranging from citrus through stone fruit to black berries.
Floral aromas are especially marked in aromatic varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Mineral notes are considered terroir-typical, emerging from soil, acidity and pH.
Key regions
Chenin Blanc is grown in the following regions of our atlas. Click to see wineries.
Wineries with Chenin Blanc
1 curated profiles in our atlas grow Chenin Blanc.
1 wineries
