Chénas
The smallest Cru du Beaujolais (in surface area), Chénas straddles two towns and departements (Chénas in the Rhône and La Chappelle de Guinchay in the Saône-et-Loire) near the Northern border of the Beaujolais region.
Its steep, North-East-facing hillsides of degraded granite yield wines that are voluptuous, structured and powerful and can be stored 8 to 10 years. Floral in its youth, Chénas acquires wood and spice flavors with age, along with polish, elegance and voluptuousness. It is best drunk after at least 2 to 3 years in bottle.
It accompanies beautifully red and white meats, poultry, cow-milk cheese, and, like all Beaujolais, all manner of cured and delicatessen meats.
| Planted Grapes | Gamay (85%), Aligoté & Chardonnay Melon (<15%) |
| Production Area | 630 acres |
| Soil | Granite and alluvial sands |
| Wine Flavor | Floral, voluptuous, structured and powerful |
| Age | Drinkable young, but can age 8 to 10 years in bottle. |
| Best Vintages | 2010, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2000 |
| Food Pairings | Meats, cow cheese, cured/deli meats |
