Gamay Noir

Morgon Côte du Py 2021

Region:
Beaujolais, Burgundy
Varietals:
Gamay Noir
Maturation:
8 months in French oak barriques (3-4 years old)
Analysis:
12.5% alc/vol
Gnarly means good; actually, great.
We love our old vines.
Morgon, Beaujolais
While some 44,000 acres of densely-planted Gamay Noir produce a swath of quaffable Beaujolais annually, devotees hold that Cru Beaujolais is where it’s at. Morgon, one of these ten Crus, comprises 2,750 acres of individually-staked gobelet vines on manganese and iron-rich, schist soils. This soil structure provides a minerally edge to the raspberry and dark red fruit characters typically seen. The famed Côte du Py, considered most representative of the Morgon Cru, sits at the highest point in Morgon atop an extinct volcano where hard, black soils produce complex, structured, age-worthy reds.
Winemaking
A semi-carbonic traditional method with 30% whole clusters. The must underwent a long, natural ferment utilizing wild yeasts in open-top vessels with submerged caps. The wine matured over the following 8 months in a combination of small tanks on fine lees and seasoned French oak achieving a subtle integration of oak spice characters and texture.
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Morgon Cote du Py shares a bouquet of high-toned red cherry notes lead to dried raspberry, spice and floral notes. The palate has a vivid minerally undertone with layers of rhubarb and cranberry, and a refreshing finish.
92 pts/Editors' Choice
Wine Enthusiast (November 2023)