Riesling vs Chenin Blanc
Riesling
High acidity, usually with a light to medium body, across dry, off-dry, and sweet styles.
- Lime
- Very high acidity
- Dry to sweet
Recognize it
High acidity is the anchor, often with a light to medium body. Lime, green apple and peach are common when young. A petrol note can develop with bottle age.
Chenin Blanc
A high-acid white grape with quince, apple and a waxy texture, made dry through sweet and sparkling in Vouvray, and widely planted in South Africa.
- Quince and apple
- High acidity
- Waxy texture
Recognize it
High acidity plus a broad, slightly waxy texture is the key combination. Quince and apple are common. Honey can develop with age.
How they compare
- SimilarHigh acidity, dry through sweet.
- DifferenceChenin is broader and waxier, with quince and apple rather than Riesling's lime and peach.
- SimilarHigh acidity and styles from dry to sweet.
- DifferenceRiesling is lighter and more lime or peach driven, without Chenin's waxy texture.