2009 Olivias Choice Cellars California Chenin Blanc

About This Wine

The Chenin Blanc grape is best known in the Loire Valley of France.

There, it’s used to make the coveted wine known as Vouvray. It also is planted in the Central Valley of California, where it’s known for producing wines that are crisp and balanced, and that age well. The Sacramento Delta area is a Chenin Blanc hub.

Why it hasn’t become as popular as Chardonnay is a mystery because Chenin Blanc’s aroma alone can bring a smile to the face. At its best, a mature rendition can have all the complexity and brightness of a wild, flower-covered meadow in the middle of summer.

Known for its aging potential, Chenin Blanc is quite enjoyable in its youth, as the 2009 Olivia’s Choice bottling demonstrates. This is a wine that’s extremely food friendly — particularly tasty with chicken and fish. And because it’s made in an off-dry style, it also pairs beautifully with fruit-accented dishes, such as pork chops with apple sauce.

About Chenin Blanc

Native of Loire valley in France. Grapes have high acidity and need plenty of sun to ripen. The foundations of great long-lived whites, such as Vouvray. In South Africa and California can give soft, fruity wines with notes of melon, peach and citrus.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:97% Chenin Blanc and 3% Other White Varieties
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions
• Aromas & Flavors:Rose Petal, Fresh Apple, Citrus and a Hint of Honey
• When to Drink:Now Through 2012
• Food Pairing Suggestionchicken and fish dishes.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Glazed Lemon Cookies Desserts can be challenging to match with wines, but when the overriding flavor of the treat is lemon, the possibilities multiply. Try these cookies (this recipe yields about 38 cookies) with Viognier, off-dry Chenin Blanc, Gruner Veltliner or Riesling... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe
  

  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
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  Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos Here's an easy-to-make dish that's perfect for casual spring or summer dining. It matches nicely with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, and this recipe makes 2 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Old World Rosemary Chicken With Chardonnay This recipe comes from our friends at Belvedere Vineyards & Winery in the Sonoma County town of Healdsburg. It matches wonderfully with Chardonnay, and we've enjoyed it with Chenin Blanc as well. Use it as the main entree for a special meal, or any meal. Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe