Chenas 'En Champagne' Domaine Hadrien Houbert 2021

The Chenas 'En Champagne' from Domaine Hadrien Houbert represents an expression of the precious cru of Chenas to be appreciated for its fascinating aromas of sweet spices and berries. Chenas is the smallest denomination in all of Beaujolais in terms of vineyard area and takes its name from the homonymous village, which in turn was named so because of the oak forest, in French “chênes”, that once covered the territory. The lieu-dit 'En Champagne' is located on the southeastern slope of the cru of Chenas, with the soils divided between the decomposed granite matrix at the top of the hill and the alluvial soils in the lower part.

Domaine Hadrien Houbert Chenas 'En Champagne' comes from pure Gamay grapes cultivated following the principles of organic farming, integrated with biodynamic practices. The vines then benefit from the decomposed pink granite matrix that characterizes the soil, as well as the altitude of about 250meters above sea level. Once harvested, the bunches are vinified in red through spontaneous alcoholic fermentation and semi-carbonic maceration in stainless steel tanks. Once the fermentation process is completed, the wine is aged in French oak barriques for about a year, during which it increases its complexity. It is then bottled without prior filtration.

The Chenas Domaine Hadrien Houbert 'En Champagne' is of a light ruby red color. The olfactory panorama is described by enticing notes of pomegranate, wild strawberries, and violet that meet spicy nuances of vanilla and cinnamon imparted by the oak aging. The tasting, very juicy and fragrant, reveals an integrated tannic structure guiding the good fruity and spicy persistence, consistent with the sensations perceived on the nose.