Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2024

Domaine Marcel Lapierre farms in Villie-Morgon in the Beaujolais cru of Morgon, and has been a reference point for natural wine since Marcel Lapierre took over the estate in 1973. The wine is organically grown Gamay, made with minimal intervention in the cellar. Morgon's soils include weathered schist and manganese-rich rock locally called roche pourrie, which lends the cru its depth and a firmer structure than most Beaujolais. Fermentation follows the traditional Beaujolais method using whole bunches and native yeasts, with little or no added sulphur, a semi-carbonic process that ferments inside the intact berries and emphasises fragrance and supple fruit over hard tannin. The wine is then aged in old wood that adds texture rather than oak flavour. It pours a deep garnet and leads with cherry and raspberry on the nose, lifted by violet and a light peppery, earthy note. The palate is bright and juicy, with fine tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury undertone that gives it more grip than its light weight suggests. Serve at 14 to 16C, lightly chilled, and open on pouring. Good with roast chicken, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.