Exploring the Flavorful Depths: Tasting Notes on Hella Chenin Wine

You’d be hard pressed to find someone more excited than I about the rise of Chenin Blanc as a well-known alternative white wine. It seems Chenin has finally begun to garner attention in the wine press, with more stories emerging than ever before. While California has less than 4,000 acres of this varietal currently planted, there’s noticeably more enthusiasm among wine drinkers and producers alike.

Wine tastings focused on specific grape varieties often signal a grape’s ascendance, and the recent Hella Chenin event in Berkeley proved just that. This inaugural event dedicated solely to Chenin Blanc attracted a sold-out crowd, signaling a vibrant interest among wine lovers. For the first time in years, a wine tasting event exuded the kind of energy and excitement reminiscent of earlier days, reminiscent of the bustling ZAP Zinfandel Festival.

Encouraged by this excitement, I attended Hella Chenin at Hammerling Cellars, where dozens of producers from California and South Africa showcased their wines. The event kicked off with a panel discussion moderated by me, featuring winemakers Tegan Passalaqua and Bernhard Bredell, before attendees dove into tastings amidst great music and delicious food.

Today, South Africa stands as the world’s largest producer of Chenin Blanc, thanks in part to an era of co-op winemaking that allowed many old vines to flourish. As these older vines have been rediscovered, younger winemakers are now crafting exceptional Chenin Blancs, making the varietal exciting again. In California, though the planted acreage is limited, a similar revival is underway, led by a new generation of innovators. A recent article noted almost 80 different bottlings of California Chenin Blanc, reflecting the growing engagement with this grape.

Notably, Chenin Blanc offers excellent value for money. On average, a good bottle from California or South Africa can be found for around $25 to $30, often outperforming its Californian Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc counterparts.

Now is the perfect time to delve into what Chenin Blanc has to offer, and with the organizers planning next year’s event already, the future looks bright.

Tasting Notes

Here are some highlights from the tasting, along with scores for the wines sampled:

Wines With a Score Around 9.5

• 2021 Badenhorst Family “Golden Slopes” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
  Flavor notes include nut skin, lemon pith, pears, and herbs. Cost: $55.

• 2016 Littorai “The Haven Vineyard” Chenin Blanc, Sonoma Coast, California
  Aromas of wet straw and honey with a complex palate. Cost: $100.

• 2024 Pax Wines “Helios” Chenin Blanc, California
  Tasting notes feature grapefruit and pear with a long finish. Cost: $23.

• 2014 Sandlands Vineyards Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, California
  A crystalline wine with stony grapefruit flavors. Cost: $70.

Wines With a Score Between 9 and 9.5

• 2023 Alheit Wines “Cartology” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
  Bright flavors of saline grapefruit and lemon. Cost: $60.

• 2024 Badenhorst Family “Secateurs” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa
  Grapefruit, pear, and orange blossom notes. Cost: $20.

Wines With a Score Around 9

• 2023 Alheit Wines “Hereafter Here” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa
  Aromas of honey and citrus with zesty acidity. Cost: $41.

• 2023 Aslina Wines “Skin Contact” Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
  A light tannic grip with grapefruit and citrus notes. Cost: $31.

As interest in Chenin Blanc continues to grow, many exciting wines await discovery. Whether you’re exploring the rich offerings from South Africa or the emerging treasures of California, the time to embrace Chenin Blanc is now.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!