Antoine Sunier Morgon 2023

Antoine Sunier farms one of the few organically worked plots in Beaujolais, where less than five per cent of the land is grown that way, and makes this red from Gamay in the Cru of Morgon. Beaujolais is best known for its young nouveau, but its ten Crus produce more serious, age-worthy wines, and Morgon is among the firmest of them. The vines here grow on decomposed schist and volcanic rock, the local soil known as roche pourrie, which gives Morgon its depth, its structure and its capacity to age. The wine is farmed organically and made naturally with native yeasts and minimal intervention, then aged in wood to round the texture while keeping the bright fruit intact. The colour is bright ruby. The nose is fragrant, with raspberry, cherry and plum over a faint floral note and a stony, peppery edge. The palate is light to medium-bodied and fresh, the tannins soft, the red fruit lifted by vivid acidity and an earthy, mineral depth that sets Morgon apart from lighter Beaujolais. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly cool. It suits roast chicken, charcuterie and grilled salmon.