Emma Watson launches Renais Gin as an ‘ode’ to Chablis

Actress Emma Watson has launched a luxury gin brand, named Renais Gin, in a joint project with her brother Alex Watson.

The English actress, model and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, revealed that the launch of Renais Gin is “an ode to the sun-kissed vineyards of Chablis” where her family “has been making wine these past 30 years”.

According the siblings: “Renais is an upscale, contemporary gin” that “took inspiration from the vineyards planted by their father Chris more than 30 years ago in Chablis, France”.

The brand name ‘Renais’ is, “derived from the French word for ‘rebirth,’ and is a nod to not only to reusing pressed grapes to create their spirit, but also to creating something modern that’s built on heritage and tradition,” said Alex Watson.

The small batch 40% ABV carbon-neutral gin has been created using “locally-sourced ingredients, including organic Grand Cru grapes, which are handpicked and upcycled from French wine pressing” from Domaine Watson in Burgundy along with botanicals including juniper, kimmeridgian stone and angelica root, linden flowers and acacia honey.

Speaking about the launch, Alex Watson explained: “Renais is a carbon-neutral product, and aims to minimise waste. That’s why our packaging has been lovingly made from mycelium. With ingredients selected from the unique Chablis terroir, Renais delivers a smooth and refreshing flavour with a subtle mineral taste. Enjoy it straight up, over ice, as part of a gin and tonic or in your favourite cocktail”.

Also speaking about the launch, The Perks of Being a Wallflower star added: “Renais Gin is our love letter to Chablis; a carbon-neutral product, lovingly made from upcycled wine grapes”.

Renais will be available via renais.co.uk for £60 per 70cl bottle.