Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon 2024

Domaine Jean Foillard works in Morgon, one of the ten Beaujolais crus, making this red from Gamay. When Foillard took over his father's domain in 1980, he joined Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet and Guy Breton in a return to traditional, natural winemaking, working without chemical products in vineyard or cellar. Morgon's reputation rests on its decomposed schist and manganese-rich soils, known locally as the Côte du Py, which give Gamay here more depth, structure and ageing potential than lighter Beaujolais. Foillard's natural approach relies on healthy fruit, native yeasts and minimal intervention, with little or no added sulphur, so the wine reflects the vintage and the site. It is aged for nine months in barrel, where gentle oxygen exchange rounds the texture while keeping the fruit fresh. The colour is bright translucent ruby. The nose is perfumed, with cherry and red berry lifted by a floral, rose-like edge and a stony, mineral note. The palate is fresh and supple, with fine tannin, bright acidity and a savoury, lightly peppery finish that carries the cru's structure. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15 degrees. It suits roast chicken, pork and charcuterie.