Have you tired tasting Chenin Blanc wine from three different regions? Usually, this type of tasting lineup helps us understand and feel the features of the grape varietal.
In the world of wine, the grape variety Chenin Blanc stands out for its remarkable adaptability and the creative possibilities it offers to winemakers. Recently, we went wine-swinging with three random bottles, all crafted from Chenin Blanc, and we again were amazed by the diverse array of characteristics and flavors each wine possessed. It’s fascinating to witness how this single grape variety can produce such a wide range of expressions, thanks to its chameleon-like nature, effortlessly responding to the unique conditions of its environment. This experience has reaffirmed our fascination with this grape varietal.
Tasting Chenin Blanc
Washington Chenin Blanc
2022 L’Ecole №41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines from Yakima Valley of Washington state
First, we tried the 2022 L’Ecole №41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines from the Yakima Valley of Washington state. This wine had a plethora of aromatics and flavors, including notes of blossom, yellow apple, orange, nectarine, and honey, with a medium finish. While it’s a solid quality wine with diverse flavors, it’s hardly complicated and lacks the elegant structure for aging, making it ideal for early enjoyment.
South Africa Chenin Blanc
2020 Gabriëlskloof Chenin Blanc from South Africa
Wild ferment
On lees for 7 months
Stainless steel
Next, we tasted the 2020 Gabriëlskloof Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Broadly speaking, this wine region is considered a “New World,” just like Washington. Yet, unlike L’Ecole, Gabriëlskloof followed some “Old World” winemaking techniques.
This Chenin Blanc was wild fermented and aged on lees for 7 months in stainless steel tanks to add texture and mouthfeel. It presented aromas and flavors of blossom, grapefruit rind, apple, pineapple, and white pepper and had a much longer aftertaste finish. The wine was more delicate and balanced with sophisticated and intriguing flavors and refreshing acidity, though the density of flavors was hardly enough to age it. Just as American, South African Chenin is ready to be enjoyed now.
French Chenin Blanc
2019 Jean-Claude & Didier Aubert Vouvray Demi-Sec from Loire Valley of France
Lastly, we sampled the 2019 Jean-Claude & Didier Aubert Vouvray Demi-Sec from the Loire Valley of France. Vouvray offered aromas and flavors of white blossom, apple, pear, and nectarine and a relatively short aftertaste. Overall, it’s a good quality wine with a semi-sweet palate nicely balanced by acidity. The straightforward flavors and quick conclusion on the finish also place this wine in the “drink now” category.
In summary, these Chenin Blanc wines had come across almost as wines made from three different varietals, considering the wide range of aromas and flavors.
While the L’Ecole №41 Chenin Blanc was built for immediate enjoyment with its pronounced profile, the Gabriëlskloof Chenin Blanc was more reserved and displayed sophistication for more discerning palates.
Lastly, the Jean-Claude & Didier Aubert Vouvray Demi-Sec shows the sweet side of Chenin Blanc for wine lovers with a sweet tooth.
Tasting these wines was a remarkable experience and reaffirmed our fascination with this varietal. Cheers to the diversity of Chenin Blanc! Which one would you pick?
