2024 Dune Tenere Chenin Blanc, McLaren Vale

In a clear bottle, showing off its apricot hue, perhaps serving as a caveat for less adventurous drinkers. Yes, it’s a skin-contact wine: chenin blanc with three weeks on skins. (The cuvée name, with its three jaunty acutes, is a desert that spans Niger and Chad.) The skins have added a fine, sandy (very apt) tannin, which is balanced out by an increase in viscosity and slipperiness, with apple skin, pickled ginger, preserved lemon, cumquat, quince paste and a pumice-like mineral character. There’s good pep and freshness here, though it needs food.

93 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Dune Tenere Chenin Blanc from McLaren Vale is a fun and refreshing wine that brings a unique twist to a grape variety you might not expect from this sunny, Mediterranean-influenced region. McLaren Vale is better known for its bold reds, but Dune Wines, with their innovative approach to winemaking, is shaking things up with this distinctive Chenin Blanc. "Tenere," which means "desert" in Arabic, is a fitting name for this wine, as it represents the winery's bold, out-of-the-box approach, much like the vast and untamed landscapes of the Sahara.

At Dune they have a deep passion for sustainable farming and minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the true character of the grapes and the terroir to shine. The grapes for the Tenere Chenin Blanc are sourced from selected vineyards in McLaren Vale, where the cool, coastal breezes help the fruit maintain its vibrant acidity while developing rich, complex flavors. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is left to develop on its lees, which adds texture and body, making it a more interesting and layered expression of Chenin Blanc.

In the glass, Dune Tenere Chenin Blanc has a bright, pale straw color with greenish hues, reflecting its fresh, youthful nature. The nose is lively and expressive, bursting with aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus zest, with hints of honey and a subtle floral note. It’s a fun and aromatic profile that makes you eager to take your first sip.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a crisp, refreshing acidity that gives it a lively mouthfeel. The green apple and pear flavors are prominent, along with a citrusy brightness and a touch of tropical fruit, like pineapple. The wine’s texture is smooth but with enough structure to keep things interesting, thanks to the lees aging. The finish is clean and vibrant, with lingering fruit and a touch of minerality that makes you want to take another sip.

Dune Tenere Chenin Blanc is a perfect wine for pairing with modern, light dishes. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward profile make it a great match for fresh seafood, like grilled fish or prawns, as well as light salads, goat cheese, or even a fresh veggie stir-fry. It’s also a fantastic wine to enjoy on its own—whether you’re relaxing on a warm day or looking to surprise your guests with something a little different.