Burning Chenin Blanc Acidity Questions That You Need To Know

The wonderful wines that are made from Chenin Blanc come in various styles. Depending on the winemakers’ preference, a bottle of Chenin Blanc can range from being dry to sweet. 

The one thing all these wines have in common is acidity. Chenin Blanc always has it. So this is a great thing for winemakers wanting a wine that ages well and can hold up to any level of sweetness. 

 

Is Chenin Blanc high or low in acidity compared to other white wines?

Chenin Blanc is at the top of the list for acidity levels compared to other white wines. Sauvignon blanc, riesling, and Chenin Blanc are amongst the tartest wines. The lowest tend to be Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Viognier. 

Sweet white wines always contain the most acidity. This is because they need high acidity to balance out the sweetness. Without it, they would be too sweet. 

Some of the world’s best dessert wines are made from the tartest grapes, like Sauternes, and the rich Vouvray style is made almost entirely with Chenin Blanc. 

 

White Wine Acidity 

• Chenin Blanc (High)
• Sauvignon Blanc (High)
• Riesling (High)
• Pinot Grigio (medium, sometimes high)
• Chardonnay (medium, sometimes high)
• Pinot Gris (medium)
• Muscat (low)
• Viognier (low)
• Gewurztraminer (low)

How about compared to red wine?

Red wines often have less sweetness compared to white wines. This is because red grapes tend to ripen later into the season, increasing the sugars and lowering acidity. 

The most acidic red wine comes from grenache and pinot noir grapes. This makes them so desirable for aging. Grenache’s acidity also makes it the perfect partner when blended with bolder reds like syrah and Mourvedre. 

The growing season is shorter in colder climates, and grapes have less time to ripen. For reds, this causes them to be more on the tart side. As a result, red wines from colder parts of the world will be crisper than their southern counterparts.

 

White Wine Acidity 

 

• Pinot Noir (Medium to High)
• Gamay(Medium to High)
• Grenache (Medium to High)
• Cabernet Sauvignon (Medium to high)
• Sangiovese (Low to High)
• Malbec (medium)
• Syrah (medium)
• Mourvedre (low)
• Zinfandel (low)
• Tempranillo (low)

 

How will Chenin Blanc affect me if I have acid reflux?

Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition that’s made worse by certain foods and beverages. Foods that are higher in acidity tend to make things worse for people who suffer from it. The acidity in wine is less than in many other beverages like sodas, juices, and even soups.

A bigger culprit may be the alcohol and not the acidity. Health experts often credit alcohol with causing heartburn. However, if consumed in lower amounts, alcohol has also been shown to help reduce acid reflux.

So at lower amounts, even the most acidic wine may, in fact, be fine. 

However, like any other aspect of healthy eating, moderation is key. Also, people react differently to what we put in our bodies. 

Therefore, it’s always best to pay attention to your body. For example, if you get heartburn after having a small amount of crisp white wine, then try something different.

Final Thoughts on Chenin Blanc’s Acidity

Chenin Blanc is a white wine variety with the highest amount of acidity. This type of wine is certainly not for everyone, and the acidity level has an enormous effect on the wine itself. 

We would not recommend this wine for people with acid reflux and other gastrointestinal issues, but when it comes to such medical problems – there has to be caution with alcohol anyway. 

Nevertheless, Chenin Blanc is an excellent wine, and you should try it at least once. Its flavor varies greatly from winemaker to winemaker; therefore, choose one that is up to your taste.