Why You Need More Chenin Blanc in Your Life
In the Loire, the conversation almost always starts with Sauvignon Blanc—Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon. They are popular, and they are great. But Chenin Blanc is just as noble, and honestly, it deserves a lot more attention than it gets. The range of styles, the variety of terroirs, the sheer versatility make it one of the most exciting white grapes out there, especially when grown in the Loire.
The most recognized region for Chenin is Vouvray, famous for its limestone and flinty soils. But here’s the thing—Vouvray can be a little tricky if you’re not used to reading the labels. The styles range from sparkling to dry to off-dry to fully sweet, and it’s not always obvious what you’re getting. That’s where we come in.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Sec = dry
Tendre = just a touch of sweetness (think off-dry)
Demi-sec = noticeably sweet, but balanced by great acidity so it’s never cloying
Moelleux = sweet wines, often rich and honeyed, perfect for dessert or cheese
And even within those categories, there’s a spectrum. Moelleux can be moderately sweet or full-on nectar. That’s part of the fun, though; I find something to enjoy in all of these styles.
Beyond Vouvray, it keeps going. Anjou and Savennières tend to stick with very dry styles—more structured, more mineral. But then you’ve got Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume, which produce some of the most lusciously sweet Chenins in the world. Once you hit Saumur, it’s almost entirely dry whites again.
Yes—it’s a little confusing. Sorry about that. But we’re here to help you sort through it all and find the right wine, whether it’s for weeknight drinking, a classic pairing, or something to age in the cellar. Chenin Blanc has something for everyone, and if you haven’t been exploring it lately, it’s time. Trust me—you need more Chenin in your life.
Here is a list of new arrivals that should introduce (or re-introduce) you to this wonderful category:
Domaine du Petit Clocher
Perhaps one of my favorite under-the-radar value producers is finally back in stock after a long hiatus: the Petite Clocher wines from Anjou. From a small family operation in the middle of Anjou, their schist-based soils make lovely easy-drinking Chenin. Whether it is their everyday Anjou blanc or their slightly sweet Coteaux du Layon, these are beautifully crafted wines that offer some of the highest QPR on our shelves. Just getting started with Chenin? Start here!
2023 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc $14.99
2022 Domaine du Petit Clocher "Les Perrieres" Côteaux du Layon $19.99
Domaine Huët
For you savvy collectors, this is one of our last offerings of the Domaine Huët wines. A new batch has landed and these are always a benchmark for Chenin Blanc, and particularly strong in the dry (sec) styles from the 2023 vintage. Huët wines are the ones that linger and resonate on the palate, showing that classic texture: structured, deep, and quietly powerful. They’re also some of the most ageworthy Chenins you’ll find anywhere, so it’s worth grabbing a few for the cellar.
We also picked up a limited stash of back vintages of Huët’s legendary Cuvée Constance—among the most iconic and long-lived Moelleux wines in the Loire. These are the kinds of wines that don’t just impress; they etch themselves into your DNA, with richness, tension, and purity in perfect balance. This is an experience worth pursuing!
2023 Domaine Huët "Le Haut-Lieu" Vouvray Sec $36.99 94JS 93JG 93VN
2023 Domaine Huët "Le Mont" Vouvray Sec $44.99 96JS 95VN 93JG
2023 Domaine Huët "Clos du Bourg" Vouvray Sec $44.99 94JG 93JS
2023 Domaine Huët "Clos du Bourg" Vouvray Demi-Sec $46.99 94JG 93JS
2005 Domaine Huët "Cuvée Constance" Vouvray Moelleux (500mL) $159.99 99WS 97VN 96WA
2009 Domaine Huët "Cuvée Constance" Vouvray Moelleux (500ml) $149.99 99WE 98JG 98WS 96WA
Vincent Carême
Finally, newly arrived is a limited supply from one of the newer, cultier names on the scene, Vincent Carême. This is a producer making serious waves in Vouvray, farming organically and crafting wines that are incredibly expressive and precise. We managed to secure the last of the importer’s inventory, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. These are beautiful, energetic wines with just the right amount of tension and generosity—definitely one to watch if you haven’t tried them yet.
2022 Domaine Vincent Carême "Le Clos" Vouvray Sec $29.99 93VN 93WS
- Keith Mabry, K&L Loire Valley Wine Buyer