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.
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.
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!!
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 ✨🥂
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!
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!
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.
Exactly, it is now our job to bring people back into the Chenin fold!
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.
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!!
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 ✨🥂
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!
Thanks for the recs! I've had (and loved) Mullineu, but I'll have to seek out the rest.
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!
Thanks for your interest and love of CB!!! I will also look for those you mentioned!
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 😊
How do you spot a sweeter Chenin?
In Loire, it may say Demi-sec (medium-dry) or moeleux (sweet) on the label! The lower the alcohol, the sweeter the wine!
Thanks 🙏 I’ll have a look
Feel free to send me label pics too... Sometimes it is not obvious...