Early on, Jean began to follow the teachings of Jules Chauvet, a traditionalist who defied everything that the more commercial brands were touting in the region. Jean and three other local vignerons, Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton, soon joined in on the movement. This Gang of Four, as Berkeley importer Kermit Lynch christened them, called for a return to the old practices of viticulture and vinification; starting with old vines, never using synthetic herbicides or pesticides, harvesting late, rigorously sorting to remove all but the healthiest grapes, adding minimal doses of sulfur dioxide or none at all, and refusing both chaptalization and filtration. The end result allows Morgon to express itself naturally, as it should be without the bubblegum and banana aromas of so many other Beaujolais available today. Its rustic structure, spicy notes, and mineral-laden backbone are what real Morgon is all about.

This estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares. Foillard’s Morgons are deep, structured, and complex, with a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible when young despite their aging potential. Jean raises his wines in older barrels sourced from top estates in Burgundy, a logical decision for someone crafting Gamay in a Burgundian style. It is the passion and dedication of vignerons like this that have brought pride back to the crus of the Beaujolais.

This, the third and latest addition to Jean Foillard’s stellar lineup of Morgons comes from the Charmes lieu-dit, a l.5 hectare parcel of 50 year old Gamay vines set on schist, granite, and manganese, and one of the highest parcels in the appellation.  A traditional whole cluster fermentation for 3-4 weeks, and then aged for 6 to 9 month in used French oak barrels.

“In contrast to the grandiose, deeply structured Côte du Py and silky-smooth Corcelette, this cuvée features a bit more crunch with lots of bright acidity and a leaner, more mineral profile. It nonetheless shares the satin texture of all Foillard Morgons, and should age similarly well for those willing and able to wait.” – Anthony Lynch of Kermit Lynch Imports