Digging into the legacy of Trenel with Anna Viducic, founder and CEO of Aroma Wine Consulting, was one of those moments that felt like finding the missing piece to a wine story I’ve always wanted to tell. Trenel stands as a testament to Beaujolais heritage, founded back in 1928 and carrying that history forward —even after the 2015 Chapoutier acquisition— by keeping the original team at the helm. In an industry where change often means losing the thread, Trenel’s continued independence in production is like a signature on every bottle, a subtle nod from the past poured into the present and future.
Trenel: Old Roots, Fresh Vision
There’s a certain thrill that comes with tracking down one of Trenel’s coveted bottles—a sense of discovery that elevates every glass into an experience. With such limited pours making their way to the U.S., each sip feels like a celebration of both tradition and progress. It’s proof that the journey for great wine often starts well before the cork is pulled, weaving together a story that honors the past while inviting wine lovers to taste the future.
Trenel is tucked into Beaujolais, with a reputation for purity. The winery’s signature red, Cuvee Rochebonne, is pressed from Gamay Noir grapes planted all the way back in 1922. That’s nearly a century of fruit, made by a team that still includes the original Trenel crew. Even after being acquired by Michel Chapoutier in 2015, the spirit and hands-on approach remain Trenel’s own, just with a touch of Chapoutier polish.
The Chapoutier Family: From Négociant to Trailblazer
This is a house that began as a classic négociant operation in 1897. Under Michel Chapoutier’s vision since 1990, it evolved into one of the most admired wine brands in France. Michel’s not just about tradition — he’s about respect for terroir, a passion for biodynamics, and a love of expressive single-vineyard wines. And he’s the type to spar with convention: refusing additives, insisting on Braille-embossed labels, and letting the vintage — not the winemaker — do the talking.
A Family Affair and the Next Generation
The family’s legacy is evolving. Daughter Mathilde works in global sales, while son Maxime channels his creativity into gin and beer, proving that the Chapoutiers’ collaborative spark stretches far beyond wine. Anna Viducic, Trenel’s champion and storyteller, painted a portrait of genuine teamwork, where everyone — from production to innovation — shares the same love for both food and wine, and each brings something unique to the table.
Bottled Stories, Limited Pours
There’s a certain thrill that comes with tracking down one of Trenel’s coveted bottles—a sense of discovery that elevates every glass into an experience. With such limited pours making their way to the U.S., each sip feels like a celebration of both tradition and progress. It’s proof that the journey for great wine often starts well before the cork is pulled, weaving together a story that honors the past while inviting wine lovers to taste the future.
Why This Matters
In a market that often rewards the shiny and the new, here lies the enduring power of a quietly rebellious spirit. Trenel, with its century-old vines and hands-on team, proves that you don’t always need to reinvent the wheel—sometimes, it’s about steering a classic along a fresh and fearless road. And with the Chapoutier family’s collaborative energy propelling it forward, Trenel feels less like an acquired name and more like a core chapter in a living, breathing wine story.
So, here’s to the conversations that remind us wine is never just about what’s in the glass. It’s about legacies safeguarded, risks taken, and families who know how to write the next great vintage — one harvest, and one story, at a time.
