July 8, 2024
Tasting Notes: Exploring Jean Foillard's Signature Wines
Jean Foillard’s signature wines are a testament to his dedication to natural winemaking and his deep understanding of the terroir. Each wine offers a unique expression of the Gamay grape, reflecting the distinct characteristics of the vineyards and the meticulous care taken in the winemaking process. Jean Foillard is a celebrated winemaker from the Beaujolais region of France, renowned for his commitment to natural winemaking and his exceptional expressions of the Gamay grape. His wines, particularly those from the Morgon and Fleurie appellations, are highly regarded for their purity, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. This article delves into the tasting notes and unique characteristics of Jean Foillard’s signature wines, showcasing why they are beloved by wine enthusiasts around the world.
Morgon Côte du Py
Morgon Côte du Py is arguably Jean Foillard's most famous wine. Produced from grapes grown on the iconic Côte du Py hill, this wine is known for its deep ruby red colour with garnet hues. The nose reveals intense aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by earthy notes of forest floor, wet stone, and a hint of truffle. On the palate, Morgon Côte du Py is full-bodied and silky, offering layers of dark fruit flavours, minerality, and subtle spice. The fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide balance and structure, leading to a long, elegant finish. This wine can age beautifully for 10-15 years, developing more complex tertiary aromas and flavours over time.
Fleurie
Foillard’s Fleurie showcases the elegance and floral qualities of the Gamay grape. The wine has a bright ruby red appearance and an expressive bouquet of red currant, raspberry, and violet, accompanied by hints of rose petal and fresh herbs. On the palate, Fleurie is light to medium-bodied, with fresh red berry flavours, floral notes, and a touch of spice. The tannins are silky, and the acidity is lively, leading to a refreshing and aromatic finish. While approachable in its youth, this wine can also evolve gracefully for up to 8-10 years, gaining additional depth and complexity.
Morgon Corcelette
Morgon Corcelette is another exceptional wine in Foillard’s portfolio, sourced from vineyards with sandy granite soils. This terroir imparts a unique finesse and aromatic complexity to the wine. It has a medium ruby red colour and opens with fragrant aromas of red cherry, strawberry, and cranberry, along with floral notes of peony and hints of anise. On the palate, Morgon Corcelette is medium-bodied with a silky texture, displaying flavours of fresh red fruits, floral undertones, and a touch of earthiness. The acidity is well-integrated, providing balance and a clean, precise finish. This wine can be enjoyed young for its vibrant fruitiness or aged for up to 7-10 years to develop more nuanced flavours.
Eponym
Jean Foillard's Eponym is a unique wine that often includes grapes from different appellations, showcasing Foillard's skill in blending and his commitment to expressing the terroir. The wine has a dark ruby red colour and a complex, layered bouquet with notes of black cherry, cassis, and plum, accented by hints of tobacco, cedar, and graphite. On the palate, Eponym is full-bodied and structured, offering rich flavours of dark fruit, spice, and a distinct minerality. The tannins are firm yet polished, and the acidity keeps the wine lively, leading to a long, satisfying finish. Eponym has excellent ageing potential, capable of evolving over 10-15 years, gaining additional depth and complexity.