Chenin Blanc

Surely the most chameleon-like of vine varieties. Most wine drinkers encounter Chenin Blanc on the labels of very cheap, sometimes slightly sweetened, everyday varietals from California (usually Central Valley) or South Africa where it is the most planted vine. In these relatively hot wine-producing environments, Chenin Blanc’s ability to hang on to its natural grape acidity is highly prized, and stops these inexpensive, usually rather bland wines tasting flabby.

In its homeland in the middle Loire, Chenin Blanc is also marked by its high acid, which is not necessarily a virtue in cooler years, but gives dry and medium dry (Sec and Demi Sec) white wines from here a much longer life than most. Damp straw, flowers, something vaguely honeyed are the usual distinguishing features.

Chenin Blanc comes into its own, however, in exceptional Loire vintages when seriously high sugars develop in the grapes, particularly when they are concentrated by noble rot. A Vouvray or the best Coteaux du Layon can be an absolute mar­vel of honey, lime and toast which can continue to improve in bottle for decades.

An increasing number of producers in South Africa, New Zealand and California are taking Chenin Blanc seriously for it can also make at­tractively assertive, full-bodied dry wines if the site is right and yields are restricted. It is widely distributed and its reliable acid level is valued as an ingredient in sparkling wines such as Blanquette de Limoux and those of South America, notably Argentina.

Footprint Chenin Blanc Semillon

Apples and limes abound, gloriously drinkable, unpretentious wine. Learn more about Footprint Chenin Blanc Semillon

£6.50 Add Footprint Chenin Blanc Semillon to Wishlist

Bodegas Santa Ana 'Caracter' Chardonnay Chenin

This blend of the world famous French grapes of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc is delciously fresh and bursting with Argentinian sunshine.



Learn more about Bodegas Santa Ana 'Caracter' Chardonnay Chenin

£6.70 Add Bodegas Santa Ana 'Caracter' Chardonnay Chenin to Wishlist

Fairvalley Chenin Blanc

Always a good easy drinking option when you have a number of people to please. Learn more about Fairvalley Chenin Blanc

£7.25 Add Fairvalley Chenin Blanc to Wishlist

Man Vintners Chenin Blanc

A modern white wine made from one of the oldest grapes of South Africa. Refreshing and fruity and sure to please!


Learn more about Man Vintners Chenin Blanc

£7.60 Add Man Vintners Chenin Blanc to Wishlist

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc

Supple and spicy Chenin Blanc with a steely edge. Terrific value. Learn more about Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc

£7.95 Add Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc to Wishlist

Domaine de Brize Anjou Blanc Sec

Aromatic white fruit nose. Touch of richness on the palate with fresh acidity. Learn more about Domaine de Brize Anjou Blanc Sec

£8.95 Add Domaine de Brize Anjou Blanc Sec to Wishlist

Bodegas Santa Ana Brut

A delicate body with fresh stone fruit flavours and a long length.*** 10% OFF SIX BOTTLES | 20% OFF TWELVE BOTTLES ***



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£9.30 Add Bodegas Santa Ana Brut to Wishlist

Tormentoso Chenin Blanc Reserve

Great expression of South Africa's most famous grape. Learn more about Tormentoso Chenin Blanc Reserve

£9.55 Add Tormentoso Chenin Blanc Reserve to Wishlist

Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch

Classy Chenin Blanc with more weight of ripe fruit than you might expect at this price. Learn more about Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch

£9.75 Add Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch to Wishlist

Glen Carlou 'The Welder'

Named after the winemaker, this dessert wine has just the right balance between sweetness and acidity. Learn more about Glen Carlou 'The Welder'

£10.85 Add Glen Carlou 'The Welder' to Wishlist