Description

Karim Vionnet’s Chénas Vieilles Vignes displays relatively deep garnet hues. The nose delicately releases aromas of red and black wild berries. Floral notes, ranging from rose to peony, round the profile off, lending a touch of elegance. On the palate, it is a true delight: concentrated, velvety and pure, with a silky texture.

Karim Vionnet’s Chénas Vieilles Vignes, a gem of natural wine in the Beaujolais!

The wine comes from a 40-acre plot on granitic and sandy-clay soil, very characteristic of the appellation. Vinified by Noémie Vionnet, Karim’s daughter.

Organic cultivation, indigenous yeasts, virtually no sulphites

Karim and Noémie Vionnet are not certified organic, but the vines are cultivated entirely naturally. No use of plant protection products, pesticides or other chemicals. The focus is on maintaining a rich organic life in the soil, with the aim of enhancing the terroir. The same approach is taken in the cellar, with vinification as natural as possible: indigenous yeasts, no added sugar and virtually no sulphites.

What to eat with a Chénas Vieilles Vignes from Karim Vionnet?

Hot sausage. Charcuterie. Roast poultry. Salted pork with lentils. Parsley ham. Eggs in red wine sauce.

Are you familiar with the Chénas appellation?

It is the smallest appellation in the Beaujolais region in terms of area. Its name is linked to the commune’s former oak plantations, which were cleared by the Gallo-Romans and later by monastic orders on the orders of Philip V the Tall. The vineyards stretch across undulating hillsides. Here, the Gamay reveals notes of dark berries, peony and spices, supported by mellow tannins.

(source: www.beaujolais.com and www.vins-du-beaujolais.com)

Area	250 hectares
Altitude	260 metres
Municipalities	LA CHAPELLE-DE-GUINCHAY CHÉNAS
Floors	GRANITES (47%) PIEDMONT (49%)
Localities	Back to Les Bois, Les Brureaux , Les Remont, Les Journets, Les Gandelins , Les Melardière, Les Daroux , Les Perelle , Les Nervat, and Les Blémonts
Grape variety	Gamay