The short answer
Chardonnay has a little more body than Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc has noticeably more acidity than Chardonnay.
Chenin Blanc originates in Loire Valley, France and is most associated with Vouvray, Loire, Savennières, Loire, Quarts de Chaume. Chardonnay originates in Burgundy, France, most associated with Burgundy, Chablis, Napa Valley.
Structure, side by side
Body
Tannin
Acidity
Sweetness
A 1-5 editorial judgement of the typical expression, not a measurement. Individual bottles vary more than the grape does — a warm-vintage example of the leaner wine can outweigh a cool-vintage example of the fuller one.
Chenin Blanc
White · Loire Valley, France
Eat it with
- Goat's cheese
- River fish
- Chicken in cream sauce
- Apple tart
Look for it from
- Vouvray, Loire
- Savennières, Loire
- Quarts de Chaume
- Swartland, South Africa
Chardonnay
White · Burgundy, France
Eat it with
- Lobster
- Roast chicken
- Cream sauces
- Soft cheeses
Look for it from
- Burgundy
- Chablis
- Napa Valley
- Margaret River
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay?
Chardonnay has a little more body than Chenin Blanc; Chenin Blanc has noticeably more acidity than Chardonnay. Chenin Blanc comes from Loire Valley, France; Chardonnay from Burgundy, France.
Which is drier, Chenin Blanc or Chardonnay?
Both are typically made to a similar sweetness, but Chenin Blanc usually tastes the drier of the two because its higher acidity cuts through any sugar. Sweetness is a winemaking decision more than a property of the grape, so check the label.
Which goes better with food?
Neither in general, both in particular. Chenin Blanc is a classic match for goat's cheese, river fish, chicken in cream sauce. Chardonnay suits lobster, roast chicken, cream sauces.
If I like Chenin Blanc, will I like Chardonnay?
The two most versatile white grapes there are. Chenin holds more acidity and stretches from bone-dry to lusciously sweet; Chardonnay takes oak better and fills the middle of the palate more.
Taste them side by side.
Pour both, then work through how to taste wine with our free tasting sheet. Or scan both labels and SomeWine walks you through a structured tasting for each.