Chenin Blanc has always been one of the world’s most versatile grape varieties. From crisp and mineral-driven dry wines to honeyed dessert styles, this grape has proven it can deliver almost any flavor profile under the sun.
Yet, like Riesling, Chenin Blanc remains underappreciated on the global stage, often overshadowed by better-known regions and varieties.
Part of the reason lies in provenance. The world’s most famous wine regions — Bordeaux with its Cabernet and Merlot, Burgundy with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and California with its celebrated blends — are not known for Chenin. Instead, the grape thrives in regions that historically flew under the radar: the Loire Valley in France and South Africa.
Both countries dominate Wine-Searcher’s Top 10 Chenin Blancs of 2025, showcasing not only the grape’s diversity but also its growing reputation among critics and collectors.
The Top 10 Chenin Blancs of 2025
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Clos du Bourg Première Trie Moelleux, Domaine Huet (Vouvray, Loire)
- Style: Sweet
- Critic Score: 94
- Price: USD 98
- A benchmark Vouvray, balancing richness with age-worthy structure.
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Mev. Kirsten Chenin Blanc, The Sadie Family (South Africa)
- Style: Dry
- Critic Score: 95
- Price: USD 192
- Old-vine Chenin, among South Africa’s most iconic white wines.
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Cuvée Constance, Domaine Huet (Vouvray, Loire)
- Style: Sweet (only produced in the best vintages)
- Critic Score: 96
- Price: USD 233
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Clos du Bourg Première Trie Moelleux, Domaine Huet (Vouvray, Loire)
- Style: Sweet
- Critic Score: 94
- Price: USD 98
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Huilkrans, Alheit Vineyards (South Africa)
- Style: Dry
- Critic Score: 95
- Price: USD 119
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Skurfberg, The Sadie Family (South Africa)
- Style: Dry, concentrated
- Critic Score: 94
- Price: USD 188
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Straw Wine, Mullineux Wines (South Africa)
- Style: Sweet
- Critic Score: 94
- Price: USD 101
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The Mothership, Stellenrust (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
- Style: Dry, creamy
- Critic Score: 95
- Price: USD 35 (remarkable value for its score)
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Rotsbank, The Sadie Family (South Africa)
- Style: Dry
- Critic Score: 94
- Price: USD 80
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Quarts de Chaume, Domaine Baumard (Anjou, Loire)
- Style: Sweet
- Critic Score: 93
- Price: USD 99
Loire Valley and South Africa: Chenin’s Twin Homelands
The Loire Valley’s Vouvray and Anjou regions remain benchmarks for sweet and dry Chenin alike, led by Domaine Huet and Domaine Baumard. In parallel, South Africa has transformed Chenin Blanc into a flagship grape, with producers like The Sadie Family, Alheit Vineyards, Mullineux, and Stellenrust pushing quality to new heights.
Together, these two regions demonstrate Chenin Blanc’s extraordinary potential, from luscious dessert wines capable of decades of aging to dry, mineral, and terroir-driven whites that rival the world’s best.
What stands out in the 2025 ranking is not just the quality—scores consistently 93–96 points—but also the pricing. With outstanding bottles starting as low as USD 35, Chenin Blanc continues to offer world-class value at a fraction of the cost of Burgundy or Bordeaux.
Conclusion
Chenin Blanc may not yet have the fame of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, but the 2025 Wine-Searcher rankings confirm it deserves a place at the top table of the world’s great white grapes. Whether sweet or dry, French or South African, these wines deliver extraordinary character and age-worthiness, making them a smart choice for both seasoned collectors and curious enthusiasts.
Source: Wine-Searcher