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