Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc

Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc is an off-dry white wine from Columbia Valley, Washington, available in a standard 750ml bottle. Sourced from Hahn Hill Vineyard — planted in 1968 — this bottling draws on some of Washington State's oldest Chenin Blanc vines, a rarity in a region dominated by other varietals.

Quick Facts: Style: Off-Dry White  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc  |  Winery: Pacific Rim Winemakers

Production & Heritage

Pacific Rim Winemakers operates out of West Richland, Washington, and built its reputation primarily on Riesling. The Chenin Blanc represents a small fraction of their total production, making it something of a specialist release. Grapes from Hahn Hill Vineyard undergo cold fermentation at 50°F for 30 days in stainless steel, with fermentation arrested by dropping the tank to 32°F, leaving approximately 8 g/L of residual sugar. No oak, malolactic fermentation, or lees aging is employed — every decision is geared toward preserving the varietal's natural fruit character and acidity. The wine then rests in stainless steel for eight months before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Honeysuckle leads the nose, followed by ripe honeydew melon and a subtle floral lift. There is a gentle, almost waxy quality that hints at the vine age behind the fruit.

Taste: The entry is bright with key lime and honeydew melon, transitioning into white peach and pear through the mid-palate. A faint briny, almost saline quality emerges alongside quince-like tartness, and a subtle astringency builds on the back palate, adding textural interest to the slightly off-dry body.

Finish: Medium-to-long, with lively acidity carrying floral and citrus notes well past the last sip. The finish remains clean and refreshing, without any residual sweetness weighing it down.

How to Drink Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc

Serve well-chilled, between 45–50°F, to let the fruit and acidity shine without muting the floral aromatics. This wine is expressive enough to drink on its own but versatile in mixed drinks. A White Sangria benefits from its melon and peach notes alongside fresh fruit. A Chenin Blanc Spritz — with sparkling water and a twist of lime — highlights the wine's natural brightness and saline edge. A French 75 variation using this wine in place of Champagne introduces an off-dry, tropical dimension that works against the lemon and gin.

Best For

• Warm-weather patio drinking where a crisp, off-dry white hits the right note
• Introducing someone to Chenin Blanc as a varietal outside of the Loire Valley
• Pairing with Southeast Asian or Pacific Rim–inspired cuisine
• Adding an unusual Washington State white to a wine collection focused beyond Chardonnay and Riesling

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc taste like? It is a slightly off-dry, medium-bodied white wine driven by honeydew melon, white peach, and key lime, with floral undertones and a faint saline quality. Lively acidity keeps it fresh and balanced despite the residual sugar.

How does Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc compare to Loire Valley Chenin Blanc? Reviewers have noted it is "not at all atypical of the genuine article from the Loire Valley," sharing the variety's signature acidity and melon-driven fruit profile. The key difference is that old-vine Washington fruit and arrested cold fermentation give it a slightly rounder, more tropical character than many lean Vouvray or Savennières bottlings.

Is Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc good for beginners? Yes — the off-dry sweetness and bright fruit make it very approachable, while the acidity and subtle complexity keep it interesting for more experienced palates as well.

Where is Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc made? It is produced by Pacific Rim Winemakers in West Richland, Washington, using 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from Hahn Hill Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, where the vines were originally planted in 1968.

What foods pair well with Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc? Thai green curry — the off-dry fruit tempers the heat. Seared scallops — the saline note in the wine echoes the shellfish. Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce — the acidity cuts through the richness. Charcuterie with mild, creamy cheeses — honeydew and peach flavors complement pork-based cured meats. Grilled shrimp with mango salsa — tropical fruit on both sides of the pairing work in harmony.

What sizes does Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range white wine, and the old-vine sourcing from 1968 plantings represents uncommon value for a Chenin Blanc at this price tier, particularly in the U.S. market where the varietal is rarely bottled as a single-variety wine.

Why Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc?

Chenin Blanc is one of the most underrepresented white varietals in Washington State, and Pacific Rim's version is sourced from vines planted over five decades ago — a genuine rarity in the American wine landscape. The cold-fermentation process and total absence of oak or malolactic influence produce a wine that is transparent to its varietal character, allowing the old-vine fruit to speak clearly. For drinkers curious about Chenin Blanc outside the Loire Valley, this bottling offers a distinctly Pacific Northwest interpretation without sacrificing the acidity and complexity that define the grape at its best. It is a small-production wine from a winery that could easily rest on its Riesling reputation but chooses to do something more unusual.