Morgon Côte Du Py Domaine Foillard Jean, 2022

Morgon Côte du Py 2022 from Domaine Jean Foillard is one of the benchmark natural-leaning Beaujolais reds, prized by sommeliers and collectors alike. Sourced from the famed Côte du Py slope in Morgon, this Gamay combines purity of fruit with a serious, almost Burgundian structure. The 2022 vintage offers Foillard’s signature finesse: silken texture, vibrant energy, and a seamless balance of fruit, florals, and minerality.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Morgon shows a deep, luminous ruby color with violet highlights, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose opens with pure red and dark berries—think wild cherries, black raspberries, and crushed strawberries—woven with notes of violets, peony, rose petal, and a touch of damp earth. With air, more complexity emerges: crushed stone, subtle spice, and a whisper of savory herb. On the palate, it is precise and silky rather than heavy, with juicy red and black fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Flavors of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and raspberry are layered with licorice, graphite, and a ferrous, stony undertone that is very typical of Côte du Py. The acidity is vibrant and mouthwatering, giving lift and length to the wine, while the finish is long, delicate, and saline. Enjoyable in its youth with a short decant, this 2022 has the structure to age gracefully for 8–12 years, developing more savory, truffley, and tertiary notes over time.

Production
Côte du Py is the heart of Morgon, a steep, south- and southeast-facing hill with poor, decomposed granite and schist soils that naturally limit yields and give wines their distinctive mineral edge. Domaine Foillard works with old vines (many 50+ years) farmed with great respect for the environment, typically using organic or near-organic methods and low yields to maximize concentration and terroir expression. Grapes are picked by hand at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted, then vinified using traditional Beaujolais semi-carbonic maceration in whole clusters, with native yeasts and minimal intervention. Aging generally takes place in older Burgundy barrels or large neutral oak, preserving purity of fruit without overt wood influence, and bottling is done with little to no filtration and modest sulfur, emphasizing elegance and transparency.

Food & Serving
This Morgon Côte du Py shines alongside refined bistro and brasserie-style dishes: think roast chicken with herbs, duck breast, charcuterie, pork terrine, or a classic coq au vin. It also pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, mushroom-based dishes, and aged semi-soft cheeses like Comté, Morbier, or Tomme de Savoie. Serve at 14–16°C (57–60°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic lift—slightly cooler than many reds. Young bottles benefit from a gentle 30–45 minute decant to open the nose and soften the tannins, while more mature bottles can simply be opened and poured with minimal handling.

Producer
Domaine Jean Foillard is one of the most revered names in Beaujolais and a leading figure in the region’s quality renaissance. Based in Morgon, the domaine rose to international prominence as part of the movement inspired by Jules Chauvet, focusing on old vines, low yields, natural fermentations, and a minimalist approach in the cellar. Foillard’s wines—from Côte du Py in particular—are often cited as reference points for serious, terroir-driven Gamay, bridging the gap between top Beaujolais and fine red Burgundy. Consistently lauded by critics and sommeliers, the domaine has helped redefine Morgon as a source of ageworthy, nuanced wines with real depth and class.