Wines made from Chenin blanc grapes of Champagne
Discover the best wines made with Chenin blanc as a single variety or as a blend of Champagne.
Chameleon whites with taut acidity, ranging from mineral dry (Savennières, Vouvray sec) to off-dry and medium-sweet (Vouvray, Montlouis), sumptuous botrytised sweet (Quarts-de-Chaume, Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon) and brilliant sparkling (Crémant de Loire, Vouvray brut). Aromas of quince, apple, honey, white flowers, beeswax and flint. An Anjou variety, also star of South Africa's Western Cape.
World benchmark sparkling wines: fine bubbles, citrusy tension, notes of brioche, toasted almond, white flowers and white-fleshed fruits after ageing on lees. Three grapes blended or solo: fleshy Pinot Noir (38%), fruity Meunier (33%), chiselled Chardonnay (28%). From straight Blanc de Blancs to vinous Blanc de Noirs, from non-vintage Brut to age-worthy Millésimé. AOC since 1927, 34,300 ha on chalk, 17 Grands Crus and 44 Premiers Crus.