2018 Stéphane Aviron Chénas Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais

Terroir: The Stéphane Aviron Chénas is produced very vines that average over 100 years old, ranging in plantation from 1900 to 1923. Stéphane Aviron has been producing wines from this incredible 13.6-acre parcel since 1993. The soil is light and made up mostly of sand and small pebbles over a layer of clay and quartz. The old vines and poor soils combine for incredibly low yields and highly concentrated grapes.

Vinification: The Chénas is vinified using traditional methods using whole bunches.. The must is macerated for seven days in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for 12 months in cement tank to maintain to purity of the fruit.

Plum Market Notes: I remember tasting Stéphane Aviron Chénas moons ago when a rep brought us a sample and I was completely delighted immediately. I thought the wine had the perfect balance between fruit, acidity, and earthiness, and complimenting all that was its expressiveness and medium-body texture which solidified my exhilaration. It soon became one of my go-to red Beaujolais which I recommend for all kinds of spicy dishes that are hard to pair (think chili, tacos al pastor, or Indian cuisine). This wine comes from vines that are all around 100 years old or close to that, the soil is a mixture of sand and small pebbles which cover clay and quartz. A grapevine loves poor soil and this is just what this is. We don’t see many Chénas available and this is a great one to try.