14 Comments
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Mark Spivak's avatar

There used to be a tsunami of Chenin on the US market, but it was overproduced and low in quality, and consumers tired of it. It still has a stigma, unfortunately, and many wineries shy away from it.

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Eveline Chartier's avatar

Exactly, it is now our job to bring people back into the Chenin fold!

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Darby Higgs's avatar

Chenin developed a reputation for producing rather insipid dry whites in Australia, where it was grown mainly in hotter regions. Over more recent decades more winemakers are taking this variety more seriously, a bit more care in the vineyard, a bit more skin contact to give the wine some flavour and firmness. Savvy Aussie consumers are starting to take notice.

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Eveline Chartier's avatar

Very cool! I didn't realize that it's vigorousness/"proclivity to produce high yields" was a problem for wine quality in Australia too! I hope some Aussie Chenin makes it our way!! Thanks Darby!!

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Nikki Dickerson's avatar

I absolutely love Chenin Blanc! Both French and South African. Though I need to familiarize myself with more South African producers! Need to search for this Bellingham ✨🥂

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Eveline Chartier's avatar

You will not be disappointed! Other S.A. producers of note are Mullineux, Ken Forrester, and Rust en Verde. Happy exploration! And thanks for the restack!

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Nikki Dickerson's avatar

Thanks for the recs! I've had (and loved) Mullineu, but I'll have to seek out the rest.

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Racquel Narciso's avatar

I've tried some excellent Chenin Blancs from South Africa: Reynekes, Catherine Marshall and Mullinieux Schist. Will be on the lookout for the wine you recommended and see if I can get it from Singapore!

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Eveline Chartier's avatar

Thanks for your interest and love of CB!!! I will also look for those you mentioned!

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Racquel Narciso's avatar

We had a chenin blanc blind tasting a few weeks ago. I will try and find a photo. I know there was one (or two?) other label that I enjoyed 😊

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Sarah Matheson's avatar

How do you spot a sweeter Chenin?

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Eveline Chartier's avatar

In Loire, it may say Demi-sec (medium-dry) or moeleux (sweet) on the label! The lower the alcohol, the sweeter the wine!

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Sarah Matheson's avatar

Thanks 🙏 I’ll have a look

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Eveline Chartier's avatar

Feel free to send me label pics too... Sometimes it is not obvious...

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