December 16, 2024
Foillard Cote du Py 2022 - The Benchmark Beaujolais
“The three 2022s from Jean Foillard (Morgon Corcelette, Côte du Py and Fleurie) are very impressive and should give at least a decade’s drinking pleasure.” - Neal Martin
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.
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: The cote du Puy 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 2022 vintage at Jean Foillard:
The 2022 vintage in Morgon offered a slightly warmer growing season, producing wines with a rich concentration of flavours while maintaining Foillard’s hallmark elegance. The Côte du Py’s schist and granite soils provided the perfect balance of minerality and structure, with the Gamay grapes achieving optimal ripeness. This vintage showcases a generous fruit profile of red and black berries, complemented by refined tannins and vibrant acidity. The 2022 Côte du Py is an expressive, age-worthy wine that beautifully reflects the unique terroir, delivering both power and finesse. As always, it continues to stand as one of Beaujolais’ most dependable and compelling cuvées.
Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py 2022
93 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py has another very attractive bouquet with just a touch more fruit intensity than the Côte du Py, wonderful mineralité and tension. Very composed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a little sturdier than the Cuvée Corcelette. There’s fine grip toward the finish with a persistent peppery aftertaste. Be patient. Drink 2027 - 2037.