Chenin Blanc; a most versatile grape variety originating in France's Loire Valley as far back as the 9th century, and spreading to just about every great wine region around the globe since then. We've noticed a significant rise in popularity and day-to-day curiosity surrounding Chenin in these past couple of years, and deservedly so - it's a great all-rounder, able to display palates both dry and crisp, or rich and sweet, depending on how the winemaker wishes to approach it. As such, they can be enjoyed as either a refreshing warm weather drop, or something more substantial to pair with a large meal, especially ones carrying a bit of spice!
We look to showcase this famed flexibility come this Saturday (22nd) for our weekend tasting - on show will be expressions from Margaret River, Marlborough and Stellenbosch, as well as both Vouvray and Anjou from the Loire itself, including back vintage cellar releases from 2016, 1990 and 1976! So drop in between 12 and 2pm, and join us on this flavourful ride
Chenin Blanc on Special & Tasting
Saturday 22nd March
12 to 2pm
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Carousal Margaret River Chenin Blanc 2024 -
$26 on special this week; $29 RRP
The result of a collaboration between Patrick Sullivan and Xavier Goodridge, both of whom's individual projects we always adore, this is a wine of refreshing Margaret River sunshine; ripe green apples and pear, orange blossom plus some blooming white florals, finished off with a balance of tightly-wound lime acidity. This is simply one of the best displays of Chenin around for the value! - Our Notes
Marc Bredif Vouvray 2023 -
$34 on special this week; $38 RRP
Just might be our favourite young Bredif Chenin we've ever got our hands on! An ultra clean expression from an ultimately cooler and lower yielding year in the Loire, with an abundance of Vouvray charm without ever feeling too prickly or saccharine. While the '22 was on the richer side, this one instead surges with finer tension, lined with grapefruit, elderflower, touches of dried honey, cinnamon and quince. A wonderful showcase of this house's style at this pricepoint - Our Notes
Fromm Marlborough Chenin Blanc 2023 -
$37 on special this week; $42 RRP
// Certified organic
"Hand-picked, fermented using a combination of “wild” and cultured yeasts. Matured on fine lees for 12-14 months in 600L French oak barrels, with a portion in stainless steel to preserve freshness. A further three months elevage in stainless steel to integrate before bottling. An open and expressive nose of ripe apple fruit, white florals and a touch of almond flour. The palate is rounded and mouth filling, with bright, lively acidity adding freshness to the notes of conference pear, apricot and preserved lemon. While there is a touch of something almost-honeyed, the ultimate impression is of warm, ripe fruit and sherbet lemon brightness." - Winemaker Notes
"This has apricots, sliced mangoes and some aniseed and star-fruit aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, it’s steely and limey with lovely texture and a tangy, bright and tasty finish." - 94 Points, James Suckling
Ch. de Chamboureau Anjou 'Bonne Blanches' Chenin Blanc 2022 -
$39 on special this week; $44 RRP
"The 1.7 hectare vineyards are located East of Saint Lambert du Lattay, planted with 30 years old vines at 5000 feets per hectare density. The altered shales soils are North East exposed on the left bank of Layon. Pale bright yellow color, it offers a bright nose with hints of verbena, citruses and citrus blossom, the mouth is pure and energetic with a long sapid finish." - Notes from Chateau Chamboureau
Reyneke Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023 -
$50 on special this week; $57 RRP
// Certified Biodynamic
"This old vine Chenin blanc is a blend of our oldest vineyards on the property. The vineyards were planted in 1974 & 1976 respectively. Grapes are hand harvested and cooled overnight. All grapes were whole bunch pressed. Fermentation occurred spontaneously in 300L oak & foudré. The wine was aged in older oak, on the lees, for 10 months. The wine received its first dose of SO2, once racked out of barrel, prior to bottling. This Chenin Blanc offers a nose of quince, white pear, and lemon, complemented by subtle honeysuckle notes. On the palate, this wine is layered with notes of lemon, quince, pear, and apple pith, which is perfectly balanced with a lively acidity. The finish is textured, leaving a lasting impression on the palate." - Notes from Reyneke
Marc Bredif Vouvray 2016 Museum Release -
$53 on special this week; $59 RRP
"Light to medium straw colour, with a slightly muffled bouquet revealing a little early development. Subtle honey, malt and tealeafy nuances. The wine is medium-bodied and slightly off-dry, although the zesty acidity balances it neatly and makes a fine juxtaposition. The ratios of fruit, acid and sweetness result in an irresistibly lively, energetic palate. A lovely drink." - 92 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Marc Bredif Vouvray Grand Année 1990 -
$160 on special this week; $185 RRP
// Limited quantities available
It's always a pleasure when Bredif release some back vintage labels from their vast library of revered 'Grand Année' Chenin, and the 1990 is an excellent display - medium sweet, both honeyed and a little bit spiced, the fruit is sourced from the vineyards of Vignes Blanches, Tabourneau and Mialet, growing on the slopes next to the banks of River Loire, enjoying both north and south sun exposure. The soils are mainly chalk clay, and the vines range between 25 to 70 years of age, and that pedigree shows - there's a strong backbone here that hasn't slackened off over time, but instead developed a graceful harmony with more ripened, fruit-forward nuances. Delectable now, and looking like it'll just keep on growing in bottle! - Our Notes
Marc Bredif Collection Vouvray 1976 Museum Release -
$525 on special this week; $595 RRP
// Limited quantities available
1976 is a legendary vintage for many producers in the Loire, and this museum release from Bredif stands out as one of the year's best - rich and velvety, holding both intensity and concentration still after all these years. Plenty of dried apricot, honeysuckle, candied almonds, and small hints of creaminess that have crept in. This is certainly a special occasion wine to pair with large meals or desserts - Our Notes
Cellar Releases also available in-store from Bredif
Collection Vouvray 1947 - $1,350 on special; $1,550 RRP
(1 bottle available)
Collection Vouvray 1959 - $875 on special; $999 RRP
(1 bottle available)
Please reach out to us if interested in any years listed below:
Collection Vouvray vintages also available for order:
1955, 1961, 1969, 1970, 1976, 2005
Grand Année Vouvray vintages also available for order:
1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above ?
Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions.
// Prices valid until Thursday the 27th of March