Chenin Blanc – South Africa's Most Versatile Grape Variety

Chenin Blanc is the most versatile grape variety in South Africa: at around 18 percent of the entire vineyard area, it's the country's most planted grape, spanning everything from crisp, dry wines to lusciously sweet styles.

From bone-dry, mineral-driven bottlings to rich, barrel-aged expressions and old-vine rarities, Chenin Blanc showcases a breadth of styles unmatched by almost any other white grape. Buy wine made from Chenin Blanc online with us – straight from South Africa's top wine estates to your door.

Discover more about Chenin Blanc

Origin and History

Chenin Blanc most likely arrived at the Cape in 1655 with the Dutch East India Company. The first documented Cape wine was pressed on 2 February 1659 from grapes then known as "steendruif." Under the name "Steen," the variety was known in South Africa for centuries – it wasn't until 1963 that Professor C. J. Orffer of Stellenbosch University conclusively proved, through leaf comparison, that Steen and Chenin Blanc were identical.[1]

Chenin Blanc in South Africa Today

In 1988, Chenin Blanc still accounted for 33.2% of South Africa's entire vineyard area; today it's around 18.4%, or roughly 19,000 hectares – still by far the country's most widely planted grape variety. The oldest registered Chenin Blanc vines date back to 1942 and stand in Stellenbosch. Regions particularly renowned for high-quality Chenin Blanc include Stellenbosch, Swartland, Paarl, Robertson, Franschhoek, Tulbagh and Wellington.[2]

Aromas and Styles

The aromas of Chenin Blanc range from fresh apples and pears to tropical fruit like pineapple and floral notes. Depending on how it's made, the wine can show crisp acidity or a creamy texture – from lean, dry wines to concentrated, lusciously sweet bottlings, the variety covers an exceptionally wide stylistic range.[3]

The Old Vine Project and Chenin Blanc Association

The Chenin Blanc Association was founded in 2000 with the goal of identifying valuable old vineyards and protecting them from being uprooted. The Old Vine Project, launched in 2002, certifies vineyards aged 35 years or older – Chenin Blanc is the most represented variety in the project's entire catalogue.

Chenin Blanc Personalities

Few names are as closely tied to the variety as Ken Forrester: around 60% of his production in Stellenbosch is devoted to Chenin Blanc, ever since he took over his estate in 1993 – earning him the nickname "Mr Chenin." His flagship FMC comes from a vineyard planted in 1970. Raats Family Wines, founded in 2000 by Bruwer Raats, specializes in just two grape varieties – Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc – and now celebrates 25 vintages of that philosophy. In the Swartland, David & Nadia Sadie have been shaping their own Chenin Blanc style since 2010: their four single-vineyard bottlings – Paardeberg, Skaliekop, Hoë-Steen and Plat'Bos – show just how differently granite, clay and limestone soils can shape the same grape variety's character.

Food Pairing

Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Whether with seafood, Asian cuisine, or a fine brunch – this wine is always a great choice. Its versatility makes it the ideal companion for countless occasions.

Buy Chenin Blanc from Us

From lean, mineral-driven wines to concentrated old-vine bottlings from renowned producers – our range covers the full breadth of South Africa's most important grape variety. Order online with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chenin Blanc

Where does the Chenin Blanc grape variety originally come from?

Chenin Blanc originates from the Loire Valley in France and most likely arrived at the Cape as early as 1655 with the Dutch East India Company.

Why was Chenin Blanc once called "Steen" in South Africa?

Its exact origin remained unclear for centuries; it wasn't until 1963 that Professor C. J. Orffer scientifically proved that Steen and Chenin Blanc were the same grape variety.

How much of South Africa's vineyard area is planted with Chenin Blanc?

Currently around 18.4%, or roughly 19,000 hectares – making Chenin Blanc the country's most widely planted grape variety.

What is the Old Vine Project?

Founded in 2002, the Old Vine Project certifies vineyards aged 35 years or older; Chenin Blanc is the most represented variety in the project.

Which wine estates are especially known for their Chenin Blanc?

Ken Forrester ("Mr Chenin"), Raats Family Wines and David & Nadia Sadie are among South Africa's best-known Chenin Blanc specialists.

What does Chenin Blanc taste like?

Depending on the style, the aroma spectrum ranges from fresh apples, pears and tropical fruit to floral notes, with crisp acidity or a creamy texture.

What foods pair well with Chenin Blanc?

Chenin Blanc pairs wonderfully with seafood, Asian cuisine, poultry and light brunch dishes.

How long can Chenin Blanc be stored?

Simple, fresh styles are best enjoyed young; concentrated old-vine and lusciously sweet bottlings can age for many years.

Articles about South African Chenin Blanc

Here you'll find further information, articles and interesting facts about Chenin Blanc – a versatile white wine grape variety prized for its freshness, expressiveness and wide range of different wine styles. The following sources offer insights into the origin, growing regions, aromas, winemaking styles and food pairing recommendations for Chenin Blanc.