Chardonnay vs Chenin blanc

Chenin blanc is more acidic and sweeter.

Sweetness, body, tannin and acidity are our rating of a typical dry table wine from each grape.

Chardonnay

White · France, Italy

apple to tropical, creamy when oaked

Chenin blanc

White · Loire, France

quince, honey, dry to sweet

Bone dry
Sweetness: Dry; Full
Body: Medium; Very low
Tannin: Very low; Medium
Acidity: Very high; 13 to 14.5%
Alcohol: 11.5 to 14%; 10 to 13 °C
Serve at: 8 to 11 °C; Worldwide
Regions: Loire, South Africa

Only Chardonnay

Shellfish
Creamy pasta and sauces
Soft and mild cheese

Both pair with

Chicken

Only Chenin blanc

Pork
Goat cheese and feta
Fruit desserts and pastries

Sources

Style profiles, pairings and serving figures are our own assessment. Regions and origins: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0); see the Chardonnay and Chenin blanc pages.