Chénas gets its name from the word chêne, which means ‘oak tree’ in French. Despite being the smallest cru in Beaujolais, wines coming out of Chénas are full-bodied and fierce, known for their spicy, floral, and dark-fruited flavors. Here, grapes grow on just one square mile of slopes, cultivated by about 100 growers. During the 1700s, wines from Chénas were abundantly exported to Paris and held with high regard, as they were a favorite of Louis XIII. Fun fact: Chénas is actually the smallest cru in Beaujolais because it borders Moulin-à-Vent. At the time when the crus were created, winemakers had a choice between labelling their bottles Moulin-à-Vent or Chénas; because bulk prices were (and still are) higher for Moulin-à-Vent, most vignerons opted for said designation.