Foillard Morgon Côte du Py 2024

Foillard Morgon Côte du Py is a single-variety natural red from Gamay in AOC Morgon, made by Jean Foillard, one of the leading names in natural Beaujolais. The fourteen hectares of old vines are farmed without chemicals, harvested late and sorted carefully in the vineyard. The Côte du Py is a celebrated slope of decomposed granite and blue schist, soils that drain freely and ripen Gamay fully while imparting iron-like minerality and firmer structure than the lighter Beaujolais terroirs. Foillard works in a natural style, using whole-bunch carbonic-style fermentation with indigenous yeasts and minimal added sulphur, a method that preserves bright primary fruit and supple tannins. After fermentation the wine spends six months in oak barrels to settle and round the texture without overt wood flavour. It is bright ruby, with intense ripe cherry and raspberry, floral and peppery notes and an earthy, stony depth from the slope. The palate is fresh and fragrant, light to medium bodied, with fine tannin and lively acidity. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly cooled, with roast chicken, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.