Arena Savennières Chenin Blanc

Made in a high-acid, oxidative style. Slightly cloudy and surprisingly light. Sweet bruised pears and quince, with some fresher fruit notes hiding in the mid-palate, and a touch of cheese rind and salt in the back end. Not bad, but frankly, disappointing for the Mosse family's top Chenin. It just lack density and depth. Bottle variation maybe?

Vintage 2015 | The terroir dominates, this wine smells - almost stinks - of flint, soooo much minerality it pushes the character back of the Chenin Blanc. But I do not mind. A little, very little, touch of sweetness on the beginning of the tongue, very vibrant and expressive acids. The more I tasted the more I liked the wine. Paired with Dim Sun and Cantonese style Halibut with sugarsnaps. Lovely!

My first experience with this producer. I’ve always adored the wines of Joly (same general area) and I totally dig Chenin so figured I would probably dig this too. This was made in an oxidative style and presented off-dry. I also think this saw extended skin contact because it came across almost like an orange wine? Anyway, this was definitely a wine that forced my attention. There was certainly a hefty amount of VA on the nose. The fruit profile would best be described as bruised and nearly fermenting Bosc pear and apricot. On the palate it was stone fruits and nuts. A touch boozy. The finish was long and just a touch sweet but certainly nothing dessert-like. The acid was enamel stripping. Maybe we consumed this too young? Hard to tell, I think it’s a very authentic wine, I’m just not head over heals about it.

Medium dark golden color with orangish hues, indicating a bit of oxidation on the nose leading into enormous orchard fruit aromatics. Massive waves of quince, golden apple, honey, wet wool, chamomile, white flowers and a bit of tropical fruit. Botrytis definitely evident. Mid palate is weighty and textured, showing ample lactic acid and roundness but very well supported by natural tannin structure and lovely push-pull of exotic, ripe fruit and savory notes that resonate in the middle well after the finish. I can detect RS but it does not draw attention to itself. Very classic, lush Saviennières profile from a great producer of natural wines.

Vintage 2015 - high acidity, made from young vines (15 years that is) very gastronomical wine with plenty room for development. #cheninigans #cheninblanc #savennières

Ah yes, some delicious sandy-soiled Chenin Blanc for Saturday date-night dinner. My wife's ham loaf calls for fruit and acid, and the Arena delivers in spades! Just a touch of sweetness, a little savory, and I love the texture as well. #cheninagins

This was awesome in a weird, orange vibe. Some oxidative, waxy, floral notes. Long long finish.

This was weird weird weird, but in a good way. Oxidative, nutty, waxy. I thought it was a macerated Friuli Pinot Grigio, but was very much wrong.

Chenin at its best, some chemicals, flower, honey without being sweet, delicious

Could drink this all day long. Amazingly approachable and complex Chenin.