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Chénas

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Chénas
The Chénas appellation d'origine contrôlée is a communal appellation recognized since 1936. The Chénas vineyard covers some 260 hectares, making it the smallest of the Beaujolais crus. The vineyards entitled to the appellation extend over the communes of Chénas, in the Rhône department, and La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, in the Saône-et-Loire department.

The grape variety used to make Chénas wine is Gamay noir with white juice, as in all Beaujolais vineyards. The vines face northwest, east and south. From the highest parts of the appellation, including the Pic Rémont, the granite soils extend forward towards the Saône plain, evolving into silico-clay soils with a stony surface. The rarity, quality and elegance of Chénas wines make them highly prized by connoisseurs. Very fine products are offered by Maison Coquard, Château Bonnet, Domain Thillardon and Domain Dominique Piron.
Chénas etymologically means "place planted with oak trees". Chénas is a French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) created and recognized since 1936 by the Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité. Chénas wines are grown in a Beaujolais vineyard extending over several communes. 

History of Chénas vineyards 

Chénas is a commune in the Rhône department where the vineyard was born. Historically, this Beaujolais cru was one of Louis XIII's favorite wines. The vineyard stretches over several communes, between Chénas in the Rhône and La Chapelle-de-Guinchay in Saône-et-Loire, and includes a number of very specific localities, fertile for the vineyard's grape varieties: .

- Les Journets,
- Les Gandelins,
- En Nervat,
- Aux Bois Back,
- Aux Blémonts
- Les Gandelins
AOC Chénas terroir 

Chénas wines are grown on granite soils, which are quite sandy in nature. As a result, Chénas wines are very special because of the nature of the soil, which is not easy to maintain. As a result, Chénas wines are of superior quality, thanks in part to the attention paid to the vines from cultivation through to harvesting and bottling. Raised at an altitude of 260 m, the vineyards extend over some 250 hectares of viticultural land.

Characteristics of Chénas wines

The vineyard, which stretches between the Rhône and Saône-et-Loire rivers, is at the heart of the Beaujolais region, and has grown over the centuries. Chénas wines are red. Production of red Chénas grapes is estimated at around 9,400 hectolitres in 2010. This significant figure is the result of strong demand and the growing reputation of Chénas wines. No fewer than 6,000 vines are planted per hectare. On these hectares of land, the vines enjoy favorable exposure to the east, south and northwest, depending on the grape variety.

Red wine from the Chénas Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée can be stored in the bottle for a maximum of 4 to 8 years. This period is extended for specific vintages. Chénas wines are increasingly sought-after by the media. However, for many years now, some of the world's greatest wine-lovers have made Chénas one of their favorite wines. Several domains offer Chénas red wines, including Domain Piron, Château Bonnet and Domain Thillardon. 

Gastronomy and red Chénas

Chénas stands out from other crus, thanks in part to its ruby-red color with hints of garnet, and its woody, floral notes on the palate. 
It's a complex wine, tender yet powerful, voluptuous and silky yet spicy. A Chénas wine is best served with a meat dish such as beef, steak or even chicken.


More information on the Chénas

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Pascal Aufranc - Chénas En Rémont (ex cuvée Vignes de 1939) 2020

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (10 reviews)

94/100 James Suckling

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16/20 Bourgogne Aujourd'hui

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91/100 Wine Enthusiast

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89/100 Bettane & Desseauve

velouté
racy
deep

"A preserved and confidential terroir

"It would be easy to mistake this for a Northern Rhône wine, due to its salty character and raw meat. But with a little aeration, notes of ripe plum and violet also emerge. Concentrated, with a multitude of fine tannins wrapped in velvet on the powerful, concentrated palate. The finish is very mineral and tannic. Drink now, but best from 2024." (James Suckling 2022). A racy cuvée you'll love!

Domaine Anita - P'tit Co Chénas 2023

93/100 James Suckling

gamay
fruity
buddy wine

"The ideal companion for dinners with friends!

"This Chenas has a deep red fruit character on the medium-bodied palate that could be described as charming, but then kicks into high gear as the fine tannins develop steadily, with notes of licorice and dry earth adding good complexity to the precise finish." (James Suckling 2024)

Domaine Anita - Les Brureaux Prémium Chénas 2022

95/100 James Suckling

gamay
black fruits
long finish

"An intense cuvée from the estate's oldest vines".

"A stunning Chenas with a wonderful combination of concentrated black cherry and forest berry fruit, fine tannins and excellent freshness for this hot, dry vintage. The finish is very long and compact, with a hint of stony minerality enhancing this medium-bodied wine." (James Suckling 2024)

Dominique Piron-Lameloise - Chénas Quartz rouge 2020

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 reviews)

91/100 RVF

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90/100 Bettane & Desseauve

gamay
complex
long finish
character

"One of the best Chénas in the appellation, a real treat confimed by customers".

"Quartz continues to be one of the finest expressions of Chénas. Slightly marked by the vegetal character typical of this year, we nevertheless enjoy a great quality of fruit, translated by the basket of blue fruits and peony. The palate is caressing, with velvety, sapid tannins. A real treat". (Le Guide RVF)

Château Bonnet - Chénas Le Clos 2022

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

2*Étoiles Hachette

gamay
structured
finesse
roasted camembert

"Cuvée emblem of the estate

"The Château's entire 5-hectare terroir, planted with 60-year-old vines, is the source of this whole-cluster cuvée, which impresses with its balance, length and mineral character. It develops pure notes of fresh red fruit: cherry and redcurrant in particular. A complete, complex Chénas". (Le Guide Hachette 2024)

Dominique Piron-Lameloise - Chénas Quartz rouge 2019

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5 (17 reviews)

91/100 RVF

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93/100 James Suckling

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2*Étoiles Hachette

gamay
complex
long finish
character

"A beautifully crafted bottle

"What a lovely character interaction of red berries, wild herbs and wet stone to this very fresh, precisely contoured Chenas. The fine tannins and mineral acidity give plenty of drive to the long, lively finish. Drink or cellar. (James Suckling 2022)

Domaine Benjamin Passot Chénas Au bois retour 2022

92/100 Wineanorak

gamay
vivid
raspberry

"This is bright and juicy with bright raspberry and cherry nuances, fresh and detailed. The palate has wet stone detail and lovely acidity, offering a lively, alert Gamay style that's truly satisfying." (Wineanorak 2023)

Château Bonnet - Chénas Le Clos (ex cuvée Vieilles Vignes) 2019

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (6 reviews)

92/100 James Suckling

gamay
structured
finesse
roasted camembert

"Cuvée emblem of the estate

A monopoly cuvée for the estate, which is the only one to cultivate this locality, Le Clos is also the estate's emblematic cuvée. Structured, with elegant tannins, we're full of praise for this charming red , with notes of ripe black fruit that appeal to the palate.

Domaine Maxime Troncy - Chénas Les Brureaux 2017

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (4 reviews)

16/20 Beaujolais Aujourd'hui

gamay
crunchy
dense

"He has everything to please

"Produced from 80-year-old vines, this fine parcel-based cuvée expresses a fine, precise nose of red fruits and spices. The wine is crisp, juicy, fresh, full-bodied and long-lasting". (Beaujolais Aujourd'hui - March-April 2021) What charm. This parcel-based cuvée has everything to please!

Dominique Piron-Lameloise - Chénas Quartz 2017

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (3 reviews)

16/20 Bettane & Desseauve

gamay
complex

"A beautifully crafted bottle

A Chénas floral framework, with hints of peony, pure fruit and easily digestible tannins. The name of this cuvée, produced in partnership with Lameloise, suggests a pronounced minerality and complexity. A great bottle!

Pascal Aufranc - Chénas En Rémont Vignes de 1939 - 2018

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (11 reviews)

18/20 Bourgogne Aujourd'hui

gamay
velouté
racy

"Made from 70-year-old vines, this cuvée remains imperturbably at the top of the cru. 15,000 wonderful bottles of this Chénas have been produced. Deep garnet-red color, aromas of fresh black fruits and spices... Concentrated, velvety, gourmand and pure on the palate, with a Rhodanian touch and great length. Best score of the tasting 18/20." (Bourgogne Aujourd'hui - April 2020). A racy cuvée you'll love!

Dominique Piron-Lameloise - Chénas Quartz 2016

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (49 reviews)

15/20 RVF

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1*Étoile Hachette

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93/100 James Suckling

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90/100 Wine Spectator

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92/100 Wine Enthusiast

gamay
complex

"The floral framework of Chénas is there, jostling the nose with its flowery peony. The fruit is clear and frank, the tannin easy to digest. This is a cuvée that respects its terroir and is worthy of sharing. (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2019 - RVF) The name of this cuvée, produced in partnership with winemaker Lameloise, suggests a pronounced minerality and a beautiful complexity. A great bottle!

Maison Paul Janin et Fils - Chénas Les Blémonts 2018

Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5

3.6/5 (7 reviews)

17,5/20 Bourgogne Aujourd'hui

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15/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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89/100 Robert Parker

fleshy
enveloping

"The 2018 Chénas Les Blémonts is bursting with mouthwatering aromas of rose petals, raspberries, cherries and spice. Medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with succulent acids and youthful, chewy tannins, this is a classic with character that will reward a year or two of bottle age." (Wine Advocate 2020) Eric Janin is successfully expanding his range, as demonstrated by this rich, gourmet Chénas.

Château Bonnet - Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2017

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (10 reviews)

1*Étoile Hachette

-

15,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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90/100 James Suckling

"Very pretty fruit. Silky texture. Full-bodied. Great delicacy. Superb." (Le Guide des Vins Bettane & Desseauve) We're full of praise for this charming red , with its notes of ripe black fruit that beckon gourmandise.

Dominique Piron - Chénas Quartz 2014

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (42 reviews)

16/20 RVF

"The nose is quite pure, exhaling fruit and a mineral base that gives depth to the wine. It has a peppery, graphite note. The palate follows the soil, with a certain uprightness and a slightly Jansenist structure". (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2017 - RVF) A great bottle!