Lise's Tastings Sessions – Episode 5: Chenin – A Journey from the Loire Valley to Distant Horizons

Originally from the Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc is now grown primarily in France and South Africa, where it is the country’s most widely planted white grape variety. It produces an outstanding diversity of wines—from dry and sweet to sparkling—while retaining a naturally vibrant acidity that brings freshness, balance and excellent ageing potential. A true terroir-driven variety, Chenin Blanc expresses with remarkable precision the character of the soils and climates in which it is grown.

First Glass: Kaapzicht 2023 – Stellenbosch, South Africa
Aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks, this wine showcases the purity of the fruit. The nose opens with aromas of peach, pear, citrus and a hint of honey. On the palate, it is generous and fruit-forward, balanced by vibrant freshness. A sunny, expressive style with remarkable purity.
Food Pairing: Salmon gravlax, white asparagus and fresh goat’s cheese.

Second Glass: Le Rocher des Violettes – Touche Mitaine 2024 – Touraine, Loire Valley, France
Oak ageing in previously used demi-muids and large foudres adds depth and complexity without overshadowing the wine. Aromas of apple, fresh pear and wet limestone are complemented by delicate notes of brioche and hazelnut. The palate is vibrant, generous and distinctly mineral, leading to a long, saline finish that invites another sip.
Food Pairing: Sea bass carpaccio, lemon and basil risotto, or young Comté cheese.

Third Glass: Domaine de la Taille aux Loups – Clos Michet 2024 – Touraine, Loire Valley, France
Here, oak is used as a true tool for balance. Aged in oak barrels and demi-muids, predominantly previously used, the wine gains a silky texture and subtle notes of toasted bread, almond and fresh butter, while preserving the purity of the fruit and the chalky minerality of its terroir. The finish is long, precise and remarkably elegant.
Food Pairing: Seared scallops, white asparagus and sushi.

What Oak Brings…
Stainless steel preserves the brightness of the fruit and the natural vibrancy of the grape. When used with precision, oak contributes far more than aromatic complexity: it adds volume, refines texture, supports gentle micro-oxygenation and enhances complexity, all while preserving the true identity of Chenin Blanc.

Three wines, three distinct personalities:

• Kaapzicht: Fruit and generosity.
• Touche Mitaine: Tension and precision.
• Clos Michet: Depth and finesse.

A wonderful demonstration that Chenin Blanc is an exceptional interpreter of terroir—and that oak ageing is an art of accompaniment, never an end in itself.

“Wine is meant to be enjoyed… always responsibly.”