The third Chenin Blanc International Celebration took place in July 2025 in the Loire Valley, beginning in Angers at L’École Supérieure des Agricultures. Hosted by Philippe Porché, president of Fan de Chenin, the event gathered 250 delegates to honor the late Evelyne de Pontbriand, the pioneering president of Savennières, who helped establish the celebration. Following gatherings in South Africa in 2022, the event allowed participants to engage with a diverse range of Chenin Blanc wines, showcasing its variety from sparkling to aged styles, stimulating discussions around texture and flavor.
Chenin Blanc is cultivated in 29 countries, predominantly in South Africa, France, the United States, Argentina, and Australia. Interestingly, 60% of the world’s Chenin is in the southern hemisphere, with South Africa as its leading producer. This grape variety is noted for its versatility, with experts and historical figures alike praising its adaptability, with references dating back to François Rabelais.
As discussions unfolded, climate change emerged as a critical theme. Michelle Bouffard, a French-Canadian sommelier and founder of Tasting Climate Change, emphasized responsible viticulture practices amid increasing weather extremes such as droughts and heatwaves. Significant research revealed that while Chenin vines could adapt to adverse conditions, the genetic diversity in cultivation remains limited, undermining resilience to climate changes. New advancements include plantings from South African genotypes aimed to bolster the grape’s future adaptability.
In addition to climate discussions, participants delved into the connection between soil types and wine characteristics. Guided by Andrew Jefford and various experts, the conversation covered terroir mapping and the nuanced effects of soil signatures on wine. Research illustrates that different soils influence not just growth conditions but also flavor profiles, highlighting the complexity of sensory perception in wine tasting.
The celebration culminated in Vouvray, where delegates toured historic vineyards and experienced a sensory tasting of wine alongside various gastronomic pairings, led by Michelin-starred chef Pascal Favre d’Anne. The launch of the Global Chenin Observatory at Fontevraud Abbey marked a significant development, serving as a multi-lingual online repository aiming to enhance global appreciation and understanding of Chenin Blanc’s diverse expressions.
As discussions about the Chenin grape continued, it became evident that the intersection of tradition, innovation, and climate resilience would shape its future, echoing a strong commitment among winemakers and experts to sustain and celebrate this remarkable variety.