Chenin Blanc may not be the first white grape that comes to mind, but for those in the know, it’s a treasure trove of complexity and versatility.
From bone-dry, mineral-driven expressions to lusciously sweet botrytized wines, Chenin Blanc has long been a quiet powerhouse. While its ancestral home remains in France’s Loire Valley, South Africa has emerged as its most passionate advocate, producing world-class bottlings that stand toe to toe with the French classics.
Based on consumer interest and critic scores, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most sought-after Chenin Blancs of 2025. These wines span the stylistic spectrum, showcasing the grape’s chameleon-like ability to thrive in different terroirs and winemaking approaches.
Wine-Searcher most wanted Chenin Blanc of 2025:
1. Vignobles de la Coulée de Serrant Clos de la Coulée de Serrant (Loire Valley, France)
Produced by the legendary Famille Joly in Savennières, this biodynamic Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s most distinctive expressions of the grape. The steep, schist-laden vineyards, some with 80-year-old vines, yield a wine of immense depth and longevity. Critics love it, awarding it an aggregated score of 93 points. The price reflects its prestige, currently averaging USD 121, a steep rise from USD 77 a decade ago.
2. Richard Leroy Les Noëls de Montbenault (Loire Valley, France)
A cult favorite, this dry Chenin Blanc from Coteaux du Layon showcases Leroy’s minimal intervention philosophy. It balances tropical fruit with laser-sharp acidity, earning an impressive aggregated critic score of 94 points. Its price has skyrocketed over the years, now fetching USD 385 compared to just USD 37 in 2015.
3. Clos Rougeard Saumur Blanc Brézé (Loire Valley, France)
A historic estate known for its small-production, highly allocated wines, Clos Rougeard’s Brézé is the only white in their lineup. Aged for 24 months in oak, this Chenin is textured and deeply structured. With a 93-point critic score and a current price of $282 (up from $125 in 2015), it remains one of the Loire’s most coveted white wines.
4. Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon (Loire Valley, France)
A rich, botrytized sweet wine with a legendary ability to age, Moulin Touchais continues to enchant lovers of classic dessert wines. Its latest vintage, 2014, holds a solid 92-point rating and remains a relative bargain at $53—barely changing in price over the past decade.
5. Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Brézé (Loire Valley, France)
Another stellar expression of Chenin Blanc from the limestone-rich terroir of Saumur, this wine is a masterclass in precision and texture. With a 92-point critic score and an approachable $89 price point, it offers excellent value for those looking to explore the Loire’s elite producers.
6. Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Sec (Loire Valley, France)
A true benchmark for dry Vouvray, Domaine Huet’s Le Haut Lieu Sec is known for its balance of richness and racy acidity. With an aggregated score of 91 points and a price tag of $42, it’s one of the most accessible high-quality Chenins on the market.
7. Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks Mev. Kirsten Chenin Blanc (Swartland, South Africa)
Eben Sadie’s wines are among the most sought-after in South Africa, and the Mev. Kirsten Chenin Blanc, made from some of the country’s oldest vines, is no exception. This bottling, aged in a mix of amphorae and oak, showcases remarkable concentration and depth. With a 95-point score and a current price of $182 (up from $107 in 2015), it’s a standout in the world of South African whites.
8. Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines (South Africa)
This flagship wine from Alheit Vineyards is a blend of Chenin Blanc and a touch of Sémillon, sourced from dry-farmed bush vines over 35 years old. Aged on its lees for 12 months, it delivers texture and complexity at an attractive $44 price point. With a 92-point rating, it continues to be a must-try for South African wine lovers.
9. Domaine Mark Angeli Ferme de la Sansonnière La Lune (Loire Valley, France)
A true natural wine icon, Mark Angeli’s La Lune is pure Chenin Blanc from biodynamically farmed vineyards. Its hallmark minerality and vibrant acidity have earned it a 92-point critic score, while its price has climbed from $22 in 2015 to $65 today.
10. Domaine du Collier Saumur Blanc (Loire Valley, France)
Founded in 1999 by Antoine Foucault, son of one of Clos Rougeard’s legendary winemakers, Domaine du Collier produces complex, terroir-driven Chenin Blancs with a distinctive mineral edge. The Saumur Blanc holds a solid 90-point score and a reasonable $93 price tag, making it a fantastic entry into Loire’s top-tier Chenins.
Conclusion: The Loire Leads, but South Africa Shines
What stands out from this list is that Loire Valley remains the undisputed home of the most in-demand Chenin Blancs, with producers crafting wines of extraordinary depth and ageability. However, South Africa’s rise continues, with a handful of winemakers proving that Chenin Blanc thrives in its old vineyards and innovative hands.
Despite some steep price increases over the last decade, many of these wines remain relative bargains compared to other world-class whites. Whether you’re looking for an iconic Savennières, a cult-status South African bottling, or a beautifully aged dessert wine, this year’s most wanted Chenin Blancs prove that this grape is anything but forgotten.
Source: Wine-Searcher