Chenin Blanc is the most widely grown white grape variety in South Africa and is often considered the ‘centrepiece’ of South African white wine production. Originally from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc has become particularly important in South Africa and offers a wide variety of wine styles, from light and fresh to complex and mature. Chenin Blanc, also known as ‘Steen’ in South Africa, was brought to the country by the first Dutch settlers as early as the 17th century. Since then, it has developed into the most widely cultivated white grape variety.

The most important growing areas for Chenin Blanc in South Africa are Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland, Franschhoek and Breedekloof. Some of the most renowned Chenin Blanc wines are produced in Swartland and Stellenbosch in particular. The warm, dry climate in many regions of South Africa ensures ripe grapes with pronounced fruit.
Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile and displays a wide range of flavours, depending on the growing method and vinification. Typical flavours range from green fruits such as apple and pear to stone fruits such as peach and apricot and tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. Honey, quince, citrus fruits and floral notes are also common.

One of the characteristic features of Chenin Blanc is its lively acidity, which gives the wines freshness and structure. This acidity makes it particularly suitable for ageing both in steel tanks (for fresh wines) and in wooden barrels (for more complex, mature wines). Fresh, fruity wines: Lighter, unwooded Chenin Blancs offer crisp acidity, citrus notes and freshness and are ideal as summer wines or aperitifs.
Mature, complex wines: Chenin Blanc can also be aged in oak barrels, resulting in more complex, richer wines with flavours of honey, nuts, vanilla and spices. In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is also used to produce noble sweet dessert wines, which have intense fruit flavours and a velvety sweetness.
Seafood and fish: Fresh Chenin Blancs are an excellent accompaniment to seafood, mussels, oysters and grilled fish. Richer, wood-aged Chenin Blancs harmonise well with creamy sauces, poultry, pork and dishes containing butter or cream. The acidity and fruit of Chenin Blanc also make it a good accompaniment to slightly spicy dishes from Asian or Indian cuisine.

South African Chenin Blanc has gained much international recognition in recent years, not only for its outstanding quality, but also for its excellent value for money. It is often regarded as a flagship of South African wine production and has earned a place among the best white wines worldwide. Overall, South African Chenin Blanc is characterised by its enormous versatility.