Château de Belleverne Chénas

Chénas, the smallest of the Beaujolais Crus with only 237 hectares under vine, derives its name from the oak forests (chênaies) that once dominated the region before Philippe V ordered their removal to make way for vineyards. The terroir is predominantly granite, with pockets of schist and fertile alluvial clay. This granite-rich soil, poor in nutrients but excellent for drainage, proves ideal for cultivating Gamay grapes.

Château de Belleverne, founded by Aimé Bataillard, began its journey in Chénas when Aimé planted Gamay on quartz-rich silex and limestone soils near La Chapelle de Guinchay. Today, the estate spans 36 hectares across four Beaujolais Crus - Moulin-à-Vent, Saint-Amour, Juliénas, and Chénas - as well as Beaujolais Villages in the northern part of the appellation. The domaine is now managed by Aimé's sons, Didier and Alain, along with grandson Michael.

The estate's commitment to quality is evident in its viticultural practices. Vines average over 50 years old and yields are significantly below appellation standards. In 2018, Belleverne achieved 'High Environmental Value' (HVE) certification, underscoring their dedication to minimizing environmental impact in their farming methods.

The winemaking process at Château de Belleverne is meticulous. Grapes are hand-harvested and quickly cooled upon arrival at the cellar. Most of the harvest is destemmed to enhance complexity without introducing harsh tannins.

The resulting Chénas exhibits a deep, beetroot-like hue. On the palate, it evokes ripe bramble fruits, presenting a lush, velvety texture balanced by pleasantly cleansing tannins. The finish is smooth and uplifting.

This versatile wine pairs excellently with roast pork or beef bourguignon. It also complements autumnal root vegetables, such as herb-roasted butternut squash. For cheese pairings, try it with hard varieties like Comté or Tomme de Savoie.