The Global Chenin Blanc Masters competition recently highlighted the remarkable versatility of Chenin Blanc, which produces some of the finest sweet and dry white wines, both with and without oak, as well as sparkling wines.
The Loire Valley is its historic home, producing notable sparkling and sweet wines, such as Crémant de Loire, sparkling Vouvray, and the late-picked sweet wines of Coteaux du Layon. South Africa, where Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety, also produces exceptional wines, particularly from old vines. Other regions like Canada, the USA and India are also producing high-quality Chenin Blanc.
The wines that received the prestigious Masters award in the 2024 competition were:
Spier Wine Farm – Good Natured Chenin Blanc (Coastal, South Africa, 2023)
Koelenhof Winery – Stellenbosch 1697 Bush Vine (Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2022)
Spier Wine Farm – 21 Gables Chenin Blanc (Cape Town, South Africa, 2022)
Herzog Wine Cellars – Special Reserve Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg, USA, 2023)
Domaine du Closel – Savennières Clos du Papillon (Loire Valley, France, 2022)
Visit the Global Masters website for the other medals.