An ode to Chenin Blanc

Shapeshifter of the wine world

Chameleon of the vine

Countless times I have swirled

You, and you always do shine! 

O’ Chenin, your agility 

Means you are so diverse

Your extraordinary versatility

Can’t fit in one single verse!

You can be made in fifty ways

Dry, luscious, Méthode Cap-Classique

Light or textured, too many to praise!

It’s what makes you so unique

Originally from the Loire Valley

You’ve now taken over the Cap

eFrom Nashik to Sonoma and beyond, you rally

You really are an innovative little grape!

Lemon, green apple and pea

rAromas of acacia or honey we savour

Nutty and spicy - it really is quite rare

To find a grape that embodies all those flavours

And of course, I mustn't forget

Your extremely high acidity 

It’s something other grapes cannot get

Which gives you fantastic aging ability

A dish creamy, spicy or sweet

Chenin, you are fantastic with food!

You can accompany whatever I eat

You are there for every mood

Limestone, schist and clay

You handle soils better than most

And to show cellar choices, you have a way

It’s something of which you can boast

O’ Chenin, you really can do it all!

Be it oxidative or reductive

You can stand up very tall

Making you so seductive

Not long ago I was with a winemaker

Who made you especially for his wife

And called you “Mothers little helper” for her

It was one of the best I've had in my life

Together, we sung and praised 

To you, grapes one of the oldest 

And with our glasses raised

We toasted to the boldest 

The more I learn about you, dear Chenin

I’m always in awe

For I learn so much

That I simply didn’t know before

There really are countless reasons

Some of which I have probably forgot

Why you are great for all seasons

Why you always hit the spot

So Chenin, here’s to you!

A noble grape, yes, that’s fair

Because everything you do

You do with such flair

(as written for 2025 Jancis Robinson’s wine writing competition)