Chénas Wine Region

Chénas is a red wine produced in one of the ten Beaujolais crus, which is one of the appellations of northern Beaujolais.The hills are named for the former oak forests that once surrounded them, now home to an ocean of Gamay vines. The wines have a forceful floral quality and silky tannins and have been described as a beautiful collection of flowers in a pretty basket.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Chénas Wine Region

Where is  Chénas Wine Region

Chénas is located in France, the northern end of Beaujolais, just to the south of Julienas.

History of Chénas Wine

An official decree from King Philippe V in the early 14th century saw the oak forests on the slopes of Mont Remont replaced with vines. The area surrounding Chénas has been practicing viticulture since. These early vineyards were developed by Lyonnais in the 15th century and were purportedly the favorite of King Louis VIII in the 18th century. Chénas has the smallest area planted to vine, and as such has the smallest viticultural output of all of the Beaujolais crus.

Terrior of Chénas

The coarse, sandy soils in the Chénas appellation are made up of weathered granite, which is highly compatible with the Gamay grape variety. On these low-fertility soils, vines are forced to grow deep root systems into the ground in search of nutrients, and the rapid drainage afforded by the slopes lessens the water intake of the vines. As a result, small, concentrated berries with thick skins and high tannins produce an age-worthy, structured style of wine.

Chénas Wine Characteristics 

The wine of Chénas is characterized by its generosity. It is tender on the palate. These red wines have an intense, deep, blue-red color with bluish tints and complex aromas fruity, floral, and spicy. Chénas is one of the best wines of Beaujolais.

Food to pair with Chénas Wine

1.Civet de lapin

Civet de lapin is a traditional winter dish in France, which is prepared with rabbit and its blood, red wine, bacon, mushrooms, butter, flour, carrots, onions, and garlic. The rabbit's blood is used to thicken this rich stew, but it can also be made without it.

Once the stew has been fully cooked and the meat is tender, it is usually served with boiled potatoes and a glass of rich red wine on the side. This dish pairs friendly with Chenas wine.

2. Jambon persillé

Jambon persillé is a French delicacy that originated in Burgundy. It consists of a ham bush that is boiled in white wine and made into a terrine with lots of parsley. It is very tasty and goes well with Chenas wine.

Places to visit near Chénas

1.Col de Durbize

A great site with a beautiful view of Mont Brouilly. It's only accessible by foot, but cars and bikers are allowed on weekends.

2.La Croix de Rochefort

The view from this cross is breathtaking, with a superb panorama of the Beaujolais mountains, the Ores mountains, Brouilly's Mont and Lyonnais' Monts. You can also see other ranges in good weather conditions, including the Alps.

3.Saint-Jacques-des-Arrêts

You'll find this charming village's rural inn is worth a stop for its great food. If you're tired of cooking after a long day of hunting, it's a good spot.

4.Cenves

Cenves is a small hamlet lost between the mountains of Mâconnais and those of Beaujolais. It offers splendid panoramas.

Frequently asked questions about Chénas Wine

1. Where is Chénas Wine region?

Chénas wine region is in France, the northern end of Beaujolais, just to the south of Julienas.

2. What grapes are popular in Chénas?

Popular grape in Chénas is  Gamay grape variety. Still, appellation laws permit some white wine to be blended into the mix: namely Chardonnay, Aligote, and Melon de Bourgogne

Map of Wineries in Chénas

Discover the locations of wineries in Chénas