This limited production old-vine Morgon is all about what makes Cru-Beaujolais wonderful, and one of France's greatest wine values.
Beaujolais Cru wines (such as this 100% Gamay Morgon) are lighter and fruitier (in the best way) compared to the heavier reds from Bordeaux (Cabernet) and the Northern Rhone (Syrah) wines. The best Cru wines, such as Jean Pierre's Morgon, are more Pinot Noir-like.
To start - and very importantly - the winemaker is Jean-Pierre Large, the Beaujolais Cru-master behind the exceptional (and perennially popular) Domaine Cheysson Chiroubles, which we have imported for more than 15 years. These Morgon vines are owned by Jean-Pierre personally, inherited from his grandfather who planted them.
Many feel that Morgon is closest to Moulin-a-Vent of the Beaujolais Cru vineyards in terms of weight and structure, and it can age nearly as well. It has a firm minerality, thanks chiefly to its granitic soils.
Jean-Pierre's Morgon brings to the table a distinctively different expression of the juicy red fruit of the Gamay grape. Enhanced by the age of the vines and the depth of the vineyard soil of the Morgon terroir (factors which add weight and complexity to the wine), Jean-Pierre's Morgon boasts darker, more robust flavors than your typical Beaujolais Cru.
Let's get one thing out of the way. This Morgon has absolutely nothing to do with Beaujolais Nouveau. Nothing to do even with Beaujolais Villages. You see, Morgon is one of the Cru Beaujolais. There are only ten in this elite group, the highest classification of Beaujolais wines. All ten are in the high-altitude Beaujolais hills.
Each of the ten Crus has a distinctive character, and Morgon is known for producing the deepest, most substantial wines in Beaujolais . Morgon produces wines of more profound character and ageability. The best Morgon wines, such as this one from Jean-Pierre Large, are known to take on Burgundian characteristics and become quite Pinot Noir-like with age - at about 30% of the cost of a decent Burgundy.
Morgon is also known for having some of Beaujolais' best winemakers. This builds local skills and competitive juices which makes all the winemaking in Morgon at a very high level.
Terroir, of course, is at the root of these different wine characteristics. In Chiroubles, for example, there is only about a foot and a half of soil on top of the mother rock, beyond which the roots of the vine cannot penetrate. Wines from Chiroubles are therefore lighter-bodied and fruitier. In Morgon, by comparison, there is between three and six feet of soil above the solid rock foundation, permitting deeper roots, which allows Jean-Pierre to make a wine of deeper expression and earthier character.
Jean-Pierre's particular Morgon vines were planted by his grandfather and are quite old, which of course contributes even greater richness and complexity to this wine.
Jean-Pierre's style is aromatic - he goes for fruit and freshness, no excess tannins. Jean-Pierre's substantial winemaking talent is on display in this Morgon which exemplifies the wonderful and distinct potential of this Beaujolais Cru terroir.
And what to expect from the 2013 vintage? In brief, an abundance of sunshine resulted in perfect ripening!
"The 2013 vintage in Beaujolais was late - from flowering to harvest, but it will be one to savour, because the Gamay grapes received the highest amount of sunlight for over 20 years. This meant that when harvest finally began on 24th September they were ripe and in great condition." -Beaujolais Report
Do not miss out grab a case today.
-Margot Hurley, Cynthia Hurley French Wines
