Domaine Jean Foillard "Morgon Côte du Py" 2024

In Short

A granite-rooted Gamay from Beaujolais's finest Morgon cru, with red cherry, mineral edge, and the silky structure that makes this region's best bottles age gracefully.

Quick Facts

• Region: Morgon, Beaujolais, France
• Vineyard: Côte du Py
• Variety: Gamay
• Style: Medium-bodied red
• Best For: Dinner, cheese course, laid-back entertaining

Why We Stock It

Foillard is among the most reliable growers in Beaujolais, and Côte du Py is the cru that rewards patience. This 2024 has the brightness to drink now but the mineral spine and fine tannins to hold for four or five years, making it a thoughtful buy at this price.

Tasting Profile

Elegant and mineral-driven, with the finesse that separates the best of Beaujolais from casual Gamay.

• Aroma: Red cherry, plum, subtle floral and mineral notes
• Palate: Red berries, spice, earth, silky tannins, vibrant acidity
• Structure & Finish: Medium body, refined mineral complexity, clean and persistent

Winemaking

Foillard works with whole-cluster fermentation and extended maceration to build structure without heavy extraction. The wine is aged in neutral vessels to let the terroir and fruit take the lead, a common practice among serious Beaujolais growers.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 60 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit, with a short decant if you open it now. The wine pairs equally well with a simple roasted chicken or a well-aged Comté, and it has enough acidity and grip to handle richer foods like duck or beef stew. The mineral quality cuts through richness without dominating the plate.

The Estate

Domaine Jean Foillard is a family grower in Morgon known for hands-on viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar. The domaine has built its reputation on precision and respect for the vineyard, with wines that age better and taste more refined than the Beaujolais norm.

Terroir

Morgon sits in the hills south of Villefranche, and Côte du Py is its most prestigious lieu-dit, a steep south-facing slope of decomposed granite and schist. The granite gives the wines their mineral bite and fine tannins; the slope and aspect ensure ripe, concentrated fruit. This combination produces Gamay that can age like a serious wine while keeping the grape's natural elegance.