The 2021 vintage of Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py

Jean Foillard is a name synonymous with the revival of traditional, natural winemaking in Beaujolais, France. Established by Jean Foillard himself, the winery is renowned for its commitment to authentic viticulture and minimal intervention. Foillard's philosophy is rooted in respect for the land and the natural rhythms of the vineyard, producing wines that truly express their unique terroir.

"Foillard's Morgon Côte du Py is a wine that transcends Beaujolais and stands toe-to-toe with some of Burgundy's finest reds." - Neal Martin

Jean Foillard stands as a beacon of excellence in Beaujolais, consistently leading the region’s viticultural prowess. His unwavering commitment over the years places him among the pioneers who embraced Jules Chauvet's revolutionary techniques, known as the Gang of Four. This group, including Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Jean-Paul Thévenet, championed a return to the region’s roots. They advocated for organic farming, natural fermentation, and avoiding additives, which revitalized Beaujolais wines and set a new standard globally.

Rejecting the region's reputation for low-quality wines, the Gang of Four demonstrated its potential for world-class vintages through organic practices, hand-harvesting, and whole-cluster fermentation. Their light, fresh, and minimally tannic wines epitomized the "natural wine" movement, significantly influencing Beaujolais and the broader wine industry. Today, under the guidance of Jean’s son Alex and colleague Fanny Bellenger, Foillard's principles live on.

Photo: Côte du Py Vineyard

The heart and soul of Jean Foillard’s wines lie in the exceptional terroir of Morgon, one of the ten crus of Beaujolais. The vineyards are situated on the iconic Côte du Py, a hillside known for its schist and granite soils that impart a distinct minerality to the wines. The combination of these soils, the region's microclimate, and the old Gamay vines creates wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and longevity. Foillard's meticulous care in the vineyard ensures that each vintage captures the essence of this unique terroir, producing wines that are both expressive and elegant.

The 2021 vintage benefited from a near-perfect growing season, with optimal weather conditions that allowed the Gamay grapes to ripen beautifully. This vintage is marked by its vibrant fruit profile, striking minerality, and elegant tannins. Much like Burgundy, the 2021 harvest saw a 30% decrease in volume, however. The standout from Jean Foillard is the Morgon Côte du Py and the 2021 vintage is a fine rendition of this iconic cuvee. Its palate is lively and elegant, balancing fine tannins with refreshing acidity, and despite its lightness, it holds a serious, age-worthy quality. As always, it remains one of the most reliably delightful buys in the region.

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Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py 2021

95 Points | James Suckling

This is so lively and vibrant offering aromas of sour cherries, raspberries, dried strawberry bush, white pepper, smoked herbs and pomegranate skins. It’s medium-bodied with a delicacy and freshness to the red fruit highlighted with a clean, juicy acidity. Silky and polished.

93 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin

The 2021 Morgon Côte du Py, matured in used barrels, has a more complex bouquet than the Corcelette: a melange of red and black fruit, potpourri/lavender, and a faint hint of curry leaf that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine backbone considering the growing season. This is very fresh and saline with quite a strict finish. You could attempt this now though I would be intrigued to age this for another two or three years before broaching. 

 

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