Emma Watson, the actor known for her work in the Harry Potter series, has launched a luxury gin brand, called Renais, with her brother Alex. Renais is a Chablis-inspired gin made using a base spirit crafted from upcycled grape skins and lees from the Watson family vineyard, Domaine Watson, and natural botanicals.
The gin (40% ABV) is combined with Kimmeridgian stone distillate to give it the minerality Chablis is famous for, and pressed organic grapes sourced from Chablis’ finest Grand Cru vineyards, The result is said to be a palatable mix of fresh citrus, white grape, garden herbs, flowers and juniper.
The Chablis-inspired gin is made using a base spirit crafted from upcycled grape skins and lees from the Watson family vineyard…
The Watsons are keen to stress that there’s more to this release than their celebrity.
Their family has a rich history of winemaking, with Chris Watson, Alex and Emma’s father, planting the Domaine Watson vineyards over 30 years ago. Domaine Watson won a Medaille d’Argent for second best independent grower of Chablis in 2002, and Chris was appointed as one of the ‘piliers’ of Chablis and the region’s ambassador to the UK.
Renais’ unique production process begins with the sourcing and distillation of upcycled French pressed wine grape skins and lees, including some from Domaine Watson itself, which are by-products from the winemaking process.
The neat spirit is then combined with Kimmeridgian stone distillate to impart the minerality the region is famed for, and elevated with pressed organic grapes sourced from Chablis’ finest Grand Cru vineyards, which are hand-picked due to the steepness of the slopes, and other all-natural botanicals.
Renais is not only a passion project for Emma but also a love letter to Chablis and the Watson family’s heritage, we’re told.
Renais is intended to be sipped over ice as well as mixed in cocktails, and is suited for stirred-down classics such as the martini, spritzes, and, naturally, a G&T.
Available from the Renais website, the gin is launching with an exclusive special release this month with 3,000-4,000 bottles available, followed by a subsequent batch in June.
Renais gin sells for £45. You can also try it in a high-end cocktail, at Scarfes Bar in the Rosewood London, from June.
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The Luxe Review 
Emma Watson, the actor known for her work in the Harry Potter series, has launched a luxury gin brand, called Renais, with her brother Alex. Renais is a Chablis-inspired gin made using a base spirit crafted from upcycled grape skins and lees from the Watson family vineyard, Domaine Watson, and natural botanicals.
The gin (40% ABV) is combined with Kimmeridgian stone distillate to give it the minerality Chablis is famous for, and pressed organic grapes sourced from Chablis’ finest Grand Cru vineyards, The result is said to be a palatable mix of fresh citrus, white grape, garden herbs, flowers and juniper.
The Watsons are keen to stress that there’s more to this release than their celebrity.
Their family has a rich history of winemaking, with Chris Watson, Alex and Emma’s father, planting the Domaine Watson vineyards over 30 years ago. Domaine Watson won a Medaille d’Argent for second best independent grower of Chablis in 2002, and Chris was appointed as one of the ‘piliers’ of Chablis and the region’s ambassador to the UK.
Renais’ unique production process begins with the sourcing and distillation of upcycled French pressed wine grape skins and lees, including some from Domaine Watson itself, which are by-products from the winemaking process.
The neat spirit is then combined with Kimmeridgian stone distillate to impart the minerality the region is famed for, and elevated with pressed organic grapes sourced from Chablis’ finest Grand Cru vineyards, which are hand-picked due to the steepness of the slopes, and other all-natural botanicals.
Renais is not only a passion project for Emma but also a love letter to Chablis and the Watson family’s heritage, we’re told.
Renais is intended to be sipped over ice as well as mixed in cocktails, and is suited for stirred-down classics such as the martini, spritzes, and, naturally, a G&T.
Available from the Renais website, the gin is launching with an exclusive special release this month with 3,000-4,000 bottles available, followed by a subsequent batch in June.
Renais gin sells for £45. You can also try it in a high-end cocktail, at Scarfes Bar in the Rosewood London, from June.
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