Jean Paul Chenet wine: history, features, collections

The first thing that catches your eye when you look at the products of "J. P. Chenet" - an unusual shape of the vessel. The neck of each bottle is slightly curved, which not only attracts attention but also makes it difficult to make counterfeits.

According to the official version, the idea of creating an unusual packaging belongs to the contemporary artist Joseph Gelfrich, who was not afraid to challenge the established traditions of wine bottle design. However, if you dive into the legends surrounding the extravagant drink, you can find a more original explanation.

The birth of the Jean Paul Chenet brand

The modern history of the brand "J. P. "Chenet" began relatively recently - in 1984, when the first "curved" bottle of wine was released in the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

The area is famous for its huge vineyards and mass production of alcohol, which, by the way, does not always have a great taste. However, the products of J. P. Chenet turned out to be so good in its class that it quickly gained popularity among French wine lovers. A nice bonus to the decent quality was the reasonable price, which made local drinks affordable for ordinary consumers.

If you believe the legends about the origin of wine, it appeared long before the Great Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The "divine elixir" from the famous winemaker Jean Paul Chenet was created in the time of Louis XIV - in the 17th century. For its production, hand-picked fruits of dark Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varieties were used. Ruby drink became the favorite alcohol of the king, who preferred it to other types of alcohol.

The same legends say that once the wine was served to the table of Louis in a "slanted" bottle, who noticed the strange shape of the neck. The clever creator, called to answer, did not hesitate at all and said that the vessel bowed as a sign of respect to the royal person. The king appreciated the ingenuity of his subject and demanded that in the future all drinks be served in similar packaging.

It is said that Louis XIV not only enjoyed drinking Chenet wines, but also pampered his beloved, the Marquise de Montespan, with them. Having quarreled with his favorite, the monarch demanded to ban the production of his favorite drink.

The legendary wine was remembered several centuries later, but the recipe could not be found. It was discovered only at the end of the XX century in one of the old books.

As a result, the production of the famous product has not only been resumed, but also supplemented with new versions of the drink.

The manufacturer pays special attention to preserving the original design of the drinks: in addition to the unusual curved bottle, the production of designer glasses with a curved stem has been launched.

Features of the production of Jean Paul Chenet wines

The company focuses on dark varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, Pinot Noir.

Large vineyards "J. P. "Chenet is located in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The influence of air masses saturated with beneficial moisture, the abundance of sun and the mild climate of the Languedoc-Roussillon region provide ripening fruits with a richness of flavors and high aromaticity.

Grapes of light varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Chardonnay - are harvested in the vicinity of Gascony, which lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees. Local raw materials give drinks freshness, elegance and lively character.

The production technology is as follows in general terms:

1. Grapes are harvested at the time of optimal ripeness (often manually, at night and in the early morning hours), the stalks are removed, the berries are crushed and fermented for 6-12 days.

2. Maceration is carried out at a controlled temperature (25 to 28 °C, depending on the category of beverage) for several weeks or one month, gently pressing to maximize the extraction of extractive components.

3. The young wine is aged in steel vats or oak barrels to obtain a flavorful bouquet. Some wines are used to create blends, others are bottled without mixing and filtered beforehand, and still others are used to create sparkling products.

The collection of wines from J. P. Chenet"

Today, the company's product portfolio includes completely different wines: white, red and rosé, still and sparkling, dry and sweet, semi-dry and semi-sweet. The strength of the classic versions varies from 10 to 14 %. The company also produces brandy and low-alcohol beverages made using the Italian "frizzante" technology with the addition of natural berry and fruit juices (Fashion collection).

The wine assortment consists of several lines:

1. Original

   Combines classic products with a pronounced fruity taste and silky structure. Aging is carried out in steel barrels. 15-17°C

2. Delicious

   To produce drinks in this category, various vinification methods are combined with maceration for several weeks. After maturation in steel tanks, excellent "cuvée" wines with a rounded, harmonious taste are produced.

3. Reserve

   Specialty drinks with a distinctive bouquet. Young wines are aged in oak for six months, after which the best samples are combined into exquisite assemblies.

4. Sparkling

   Refreshing sparkling wines are produced according to the Charm method in cellars near Bordeaux. The line consists of 4 refined drinks: three white wines (sweet, brut and semi-dry) and one dry rosé.

5. Ice edition

   "Frosty" semi-sweet wines with sparkling bubbles reveal their bouquet to the fullest after cooling on ice. Muscat fruit is used to make white wine, while Grenache is added to make rosé wine.

The best wines from Chenin

Each product of the French producer deserves a separate tasting, but some of them are especially good. High quality of the best examples of wines "J. P. Chenet is recognized by international awards. The most titled and popular are:

1. Cabernet-Syrah, Pays d’Oc IGP

   Ruby-red drink made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah fruits. Main notes: cherry, black currant, liquorice, pepper. Well complements meat and cheese dishes. Serving temperature: 16-18 °C.

2. Merlot, Pays d’Oc IG

   Ripe single-varietal wine with a pomegranate hue. The bouquet is dominated by tones of dark fruits: cherries, black currants, raspberries. Serve with meat, fried chicken, vegetables at 15-17 °C.

3. Grenache-Cinsault, Pays d’Oc IGP

   A refreshing pale pink drink with notes of strawberries and red fruits. Produced from Grenache and Senso varieties. Cool to 8-10 °C before serving. Goes well with all kinds of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Ideal companions: curried turkey, poultry barbecue, berry salad.

4. Medium Sweet Red, I.G.P. Pays d’Tip

   A bright wine of deep red color with purple reflections. An assemblage of several dark grape varieties, among which Grenache and Carignano predominate. The bouquet is complex, multi-component: red currant and raspberry are replaced by spicy notes and a light taste of jam. The drink is good for tasting outdoors in combination with a salad of vegetables, fresh cheese, olives, ham, strawberry-chocolate dessert. The optimal temperature for tasting: 12-14 °

5. Colombard-Chardonnay, Vin de France

   Golden two-component wine with aromas of pears, peach, mango and citrus. Bright and sparkling, it will be the perfect addition to a family table or a friendly party. Goes well with white meat and vegetables, served chilled to 8-10 °C.

6. Medium Sweet Rose, I.G.P. Pays d’Oc

   A playful drink with a bright raspberry hue that perfectly combines sweetness with freshness. Main notes: red berries, strawberries, fruit lollipops. Wine fermented at low temperatures reveals its character better when it is cold - at 4-6 °C. Pairs well with cheese, ham, strawberries, and Italian dishes.

Update: 06.03.2019

Category: Wine and Vermouth