Chénas 2018
Stéphane Aviron
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.
Additional Information
About the Vintage: 2018 was one of the best vintages Stéphane Aviron has made in the past twenty years and by some considerations a perfect vintage for Beaujolais!
Winter was cold and rainy which provided the vines with a water reserve to last into the growing season. Spring was warm. Summer was dry and warm with no disease present in the vineyards.
Harvest started at the end of August and continued until the beginning to September for some of the later-ripening vineyards.
The wines are high alcohol, but still very good balance between acidity and alcohol, creating harmonious wines. All the conditions for a great wine were met, resulting in a legendary vintage for Beaujolais.
Stéphane Aviron strives for a style that is elegant and fine in the Chénas without too much concentration. The wine is very drinkable. With his subtle approach to winemaking, the terroir is able to express itself very clearly and precisely.
Dark black cherry color with purple. Deep, ripe aromas of black cherry with a hint of black pepper. Very good weight; fleshy and round, very soft and harmonious. Delicious now or could be aged for several years.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Chenas
- Winemaker: Stéphane Aviron
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Sand, clay, quartz pebbles
- Vineyard Acreage: 13.6 acres
- Avg Vine Age: 110+ years
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Sizes Available: 750ml
- Pack Size: 12/750ml
- Varietals: 100% Gamay
