Did you know today is Chenin Blanc Day? #DrinkChenin

Ohhh…I love me some Chenin Blanc!

Everyone knows Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc, but Chenin Blanc is tricky to grow and gets confused for one of those more famous grapes.

In my opinion, Chenin Blanc grapes (even though they are part of the Noble wine grape family) have a marketing problem.

But once you get to know Chenin Blanc, I think you’ll love it as much as I do…

Drink Chenin Blanc Wine

Chenin Blanc is a soft, juicy grape with high acidity and was born in the Loire Valley in France.

The wines created by this grape variety range from bone dry to intensely sweet, light to full, fruity to earthy, and even full-on sparkling.

It’s the principal grape of regions such as Anjou, Samur, and Vouvray.

The Chenin Blanc grape produces a wine that smells like fresh yellow apples, sparkling apple cider, honey, brioche, orange peel, and beeswax.

There’s always the hint of fresh sea salt on the palate, and it’s usually made in a savory style.

The Chenin Blanc wines you’ll want to covet are often a little steep, with price tags ranging from $35 to $85.

But you can find everyday tantalizing Chenin Blanc wines from France and South Africa for under $25.

Yes, South Africa makes fantastic Chenin Blanc, and it’s found a new home there.

Chenin Blanc is locally known as Steen, and it’s the backbone of the country’s wine industry for over 50 years.

South African Chenin Blancs tend to emphasize more tropical fruit flavors than their Loire Valley counterparts.

You’ll find it barrel fermented for a creamy mouthfeel or aged in stainless steel for a fresh, juicy, and a touch spicy wine.

Foodies Love Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc wine works overtime by pairing well with a range of foods. Chenin Blanc pairs well with everything from tangy sauces to rich fatty dishes.

Let’s not forget Chenin Blanc and sushi on Chenin Blanc Day!

Try a wooded style or sur lie style of Chenin Blanc with roasted chicken, pair a demi-sec Chenin with Manchego or a piece of sharp cheese, and a dessert Chenin Blanc with banana pudding or crème brûlée. You will never be disappointed.

Now, have you ever tried Chenin Blanc in a can? If not, you’re missing out!

Lubanzi Chenin Blanc in a Can!

A four-pack will run you $24. You’ll get approximately two glasses of wine from each intriguing can. Lubanzi is climate-neutral certified (yay!), and 100% Vegan. Named after a wandering dog who led the founders hiking across South Africa’s Wild Coast for six days. (I wouldn’t have done it.)

Lubanzi is composed of different Chenin Blanc grapes from various vineyards in Swartland.

The 2020 Chenin Blanc is refreshing. Always drink it chilled. It’s pale yellow-green with hints of lemon peel, apricot, green apple, honeydew melon, and a touch garden rose with vibrant acidity.

When I first tried it. I didn’t know what I was expecting, but Lubanzi is a gorgeous wine that’s clean and thirst-quenching.

Try it and let me know what you think.

Discover Vouvray a Classic Chenin Blanc

My all-time favorite Chenin Blanc wine comes from Vouvray in the Loire Valley in Touraine, France.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical of it until I tried it one Saturday while simultaneously watching YouTube cooking videos and writing in my planner.

I was also attempting to do laundry, which consisted of me asking Mr. W&D if he could take the clothes out of the washing machine and put them in the dryer several times.

So if you’re in the mood for a Chenin Blanc, that’s a little off-dry and a bit frizzante but supremely quaffable, click here to discover my review of this Vouvray.