The Greatest White Wine You’ve Never Tried aka Chenin Blanc

Chenin blanc has been out of the spotlight for a while. Formerly among the most popular wines in Australia – starring in Houghton’s White Burgundy, has since the 80s generally been overlooked by the nation’s winemakers.

In France and South Africa, though, chenin blanc’s star never dimmed. The result? Brilliant, versatile wines you just have to try.

Join Master of Wine David LeMire, sommelier Shanteh Wale and importer Iain Cameron to explore sparkling, dry white and sweet wines made with this one multi-faceted variety including examples from Australia and New Zealand.

LeMire is joint chief executive at Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills. Together with Martin Shaw, Adam Wadewitz and Michael Hill Smith he also owns MMAD Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, making wines including a chenin blanc from its rare old vines.

Wale rose through the ranks at Sydney’s Quay to become its head sommelier, moving on from the role in early 2022 to focus on wine writing and podcast Over A Glass.

Chenin blanc is among stars of the portfolio for Melbourne import business Vintage and Vine, where Cameron is sales manager. Standouts he helps source from the Loire Valley are set to feature in this masterclass, among them masterclass Thibaud Boudignon, Arnaud Lambert and Domaine du Clos Naudin.

Step outside your white wine comfort zone and let chenin blanc work its magic.