Some of the Best Chenin Blanc Food Pairing
Chenin Blanc is made from one of the most versatile grapes, known to produce a broad range of wines from sparkling, light, fruity, and dry to full-bodied. Each of these wine styles is known to pair well with different types of foods. Chenin Blanc has fruity aromas depending on where it is grown, but the most common include mango, pineapple, and citrusy notes. In this article, we are going to look at some Chenin Blanc food pairing examples and why they work.
THE FOOD PAIRINGS
For the most part, Chenin Blanc is a dry white wine that is slightly acidic. Because of its versatility, Chenin Blanc food pairings can include many light foods, such as veggies, salads, fish, lighter desserts, and some chicken entrees. However, Chenin Blanc does not especially pair well with heavy foods, oily dishes, or meatier foods.
THE FRUITY AND SWEET CHENIN BLANC
In general, the wine you consume should usually be sweeter than the foods you eat; otherwise, the wine will taste bland or bitter. Therefore, if you go with a sweet wine, the foods that pair well include Mexican foods, mild Indian and Thai curries, kimchi, fruit tarts, and fluffy cheesecake.
A fruity and sweet Chenin Blanc food pairing works well with salads, fish, cream-based chicken entrees, and vegetable dishes. Because of the mild acidity, Chenin Blanc also pairs well with exotic cheeses and light desserts.
THE DRY AND ACIDIC CHENIN BLANC
Dry Chenin Blanc can have high acidity, is aromatic, and has light flow. These features allow it to be paired well with foods that are fatty, fried, robust, or rich. If the food is creamy or oily, the acidity will cut through the fat and cream and enhance the flavors. Some of the foods that pair well with the acidic variety include quiche, creamy potatoes, or cheese souffle. In addition, shrimp, salmon, and oysters cooked in butter also match well with the dry Chenin Blanc food pairings.
FULL-BODIED CHENIN BLANC
Full-bodied Chenin Blanc is quite acidic and matches well with some meat dishes, such as steak. The high acidity can cut through the fat while at the same time cleansing your palate.
HOW SHOULD CHENIN BLANC BE SERVED?
Chenin Blanc is best served chilled. The best way to cool the wine is to put the bottle in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. Another option is to put the Chenin Blanc in an ice bucket, which results in faster cooling.
2018 HAHN HILL VINEYARD CHENIN BLANC
Our 2018 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc can meet many of your requirements. This is a unique wine grown in the prized vineyards of the Yakima and Columbia Valleys. The grapes are fermented only with native yeasts in a singular production technique that complements its aromatic floral bouquet and notes of melon and key lime. It is 100 percent Chenin Blanc and as good as it gets.