In 1984, Joseph Helfrich, an artist-entrepreneur, designed a bottle with a revolutionary shape. The bottle, christened Joséphine, was distinguished by its original curves: a slanted neck and a generous body. It was a real challenge at the time, even needing its own production chain!
1984 - The birth of JP. CHENET, initially available in two single-varietal versions: Cabernet Sauvignon Vin de Pays d’Oc and Blanc de Blancs Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne. At the time, JP. CHENET was known as J.P. CHANEL, after Jean-Paul CHANEL, Joseph Helfrich's closest collaborator, who actively contributed to the development of JP. Chenet across the world!
1987 - The first “Medium Sweet” (Sparkling) white wine, from the Côtes de Thau, a very specific winegrowing area between Montpellier and Béziers. The first Rosé, a Cinsault du Pays d'Oc.
1991 - The first mixed-varietal, a Cabernet-Syrah, taking the place of Cabernet Sauvignon. JP. Chenet took advantage of developments in winegrowing to enhance its wine, which was already a success.
1991 - An Oscar for Packaging and the Verre Avenir award for the inimitable Joséphine bottle, a daring, original design!
1992 - “One bottle of JP. Chenet wine is sold every second!” And now? It’s double that.
1994 - First 25cl bottle. A small bottle, but in the same style as the original: JP. Chenet responds to new consumer habits.
1996 - Launch of a high-quality wine, a Merlot-Cabernet red and a Chardonnay white, matured in barrels.
2000 - Nobody believed it was possible, but JP. Chenet did it: we launched a 3-litre BIB (bag-in-box). The wine is packaged in a supple pouch, sheltered from air and light, with an integrated tap that prevents air from entering and oxidising the wine, for up to 6 weeks after opening! Did you know? Today in France, around 40% of wines sold in supermarkets are BIB...
2004 - Launch of the 18.7cl bottle (very popular in the United Kingdom).
2004 - JP. Chenet launched its first sparkling wine. JP. Chenet invited itself to the party...
2005 - Change in the graphic design and appearance of the initials JPC engraved on the bottle, giving it even more character.
2008 - Always on top of the latest trends, the launch of JP. Chenet FASHION, sparkling wines with natural fruit aromas
2009 - Launch of JP. Chenet Brandy, a raisin spirit and descendant of the Joseph Helfrich's father's expertise in the spirits business.
2013 - Launch of JP. Chenet ICE EDITION. A new drinking experience: bubbles and ice! This sparkling wine is different from other wines, as its bubbles and intensity blend with the ice in a subtle, extremely chilled mix.
2017 - Like a major designer, JP. Chenet is always exploring new materials! Hence the first wooden label for our new JP. Chenet RESERVE.