Chénas

The Chénas appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is a communal appellation that has been recognized since 1936. The Chénas vineyard covers approximately 260 hectares, making it the smallest of the Beaujolais crus. The vineyards entitled to use the appellation extend across the municipalities 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 à jus blanc, as in all Beaujolais vineyards. The vines are exposed to several directions: northwest, east, and south. From the upper parts of the appellation, including Pic Rémont which overlooks it, the granite soils extend far towards the Saône plain, evolving into siliceous-clay soils with a stony surface. The rarity, quality, and elegance of Chénas wines make them highly prized by wine lovers. Some very fine wines are produced by Maison Coquard, Château Bonnet, Domaine Thillardon and Domaine Dominique Piron.

Etymologically, Chénas 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 produced in a Beaujolais vineyard spanning several municipalities. 

Chénas is a commune in the Rhône department where the vineyard came to life. Historically, this Beaujolais vintage was one of Louis XIII's favorite wines. The vineyard extends over several communes, between Chénas in the Rhône and La Chapelle-de-Guinchay in Saône-et-Loire, and includes several specific locations that are fertile for the vineyard's grape varieties: .

• Les Journets,

• Les Gandelins,

• In Nervat,

• Aux Bois Retour,

• Aux Blémonts

• Les Gandelins

Terroir of the Chénas AOC 

Chénas wines are geographically located on granite soils, which are quite sandy in nature. Production is therefore very specific due to the nature of the soils, which are not easy to maintain. Chénas wines are therefore of superior quality, partly thanks to the care taken with the vines from cultivation to harvest and the completion of the process with bottling. Grown at an altitude of 260 meters, the vineyards cover approximately 250 hectares of wine-growing land.

The vineyard, which stretches between the Rhône and Saône-et-Loire rivers in the heart of the Beaujolais region, has grown steadily over the centuries. Chénas wines are reds. Production of red Chénas grape varieties is estimated at around 9,400 hectoliters of wine 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 for their development, as they face east, south, and northwest, depending on the grape variety.

Red wine from the Chénas Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée can be stored in bottles for a maximum of 4 to 8 years. This period is extended for vintages, which require specific storage conditions. Chénas wines are becoming increasingly popular and sought after. However, connoisseurs have already made them one of their favorite wines for many years. Several estates offer red Chénas wines, including Domaine Piron, Château Bonnet, and Domaine Thillardon. 

Chénas wine stands out and is unique among other wines, partly thanks to its ruby color tinged with garnet hues and its woody and floral notes on the palate. 

It is a complex wine, both tender and powerful, voluptuous and silky yet spicy. A Chénas wine should be paired with a meat dish such as beef, steak, or even chicken.