'Tis the Season for Chenin Blanc

A jaunt into the Middle Loire's most revered white varietal, in all of its glory.

Chenin Blanc is a wine nerds paradise and yet, such an enigma to almost everyone else. We’re going to touch on this varietal today, in a few of its styles, for it’s the perfect fall to winter white wine, compatible with a range of dishes, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables.

As a grape, Chenin Blanc (also called Pineau) has a wide range of textures, sweetness levels, and richness. It can span the gamut, dancing between taut citrus, floral, quince, and apple to honeyed, slightly bruised fruit and apple pie flavors.

We'll link you to each of these wines on our site via their descriptors to help you find or compare/contrast as many or as little as you'd like.

Age-worthy, iconic Chenin Blanc from Vouvray via Domaine Huet. These are the wines you want to save for special occasions, and trust me; time does these wines a body good.

Linear, lifted, and elegant Chenin from Saumur. A winemaker to crush on, Arnaud Lambert.

Chenin that has 'bass' and body. Textural and wooly (promise, we're not crazy) with dried honey aromas, baked apple, and the versatility to pair with anything from trout almondine to spicy curries. Check them out here and here (will update link as soon as the 2016 Fred Sigonneau's Chinon Blanc is back in stock!). 

Hard to pronounce appellation with stunning wines? Sounds right up our alley. Just above Vouvray, this Chenin Blanc reminds us of the prettiest people at a party.