Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette 2021 750ml

ZTF1135A - Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette 2021

Special Price: $320/bottle

Type: Red Wine

Grape Varieties: 100% Gamay

Region: Beaujolais/ Fleurie

Alcohol by Volume: 12%

Volume: 750ml

Taste: The 2021 Morgon Corcelette wafts from the glass with aromas of tangy raspberries, cranberries, Indian spices, iodine, rose petals and green peppercorns, with a sheath of volatile acidity. The medium-bodied palate features a keen structure of tart acids and youthful, grainy tannins, further tightened by its slate-like minerality and tied together with a sharp, stony finish.

Having attended a Beaujolais masterclass, yours truly has become utterly captivated by this appellation. Beaujolais remains a developing region with considerable potential. With Burgundy's land prices approaching astronomical levels – where plots are not merely scarce but virtually impossible to acquire – neighbouring Beaujolais stands as a haven of affordability and quality. This has provided wineries and winemakers with an excellent place to pursue their dreams. However, Beaujolais Nouveau has become so deeply ingrained in popular culture, and with numerous large producers mass-producing inexpensive Beaujolais to dominate the market, wine enthusiasts have come to associate Beaujolais with simple, fresh, early-drinking, affordable wines. Yet, Beaujolais boasts a unique terroir, with each of its ten Crus displaying distinct character, coupled with the captivating Gamay grape. Many top winemakers have turned their backs on the easy profits of the mainstream market, instead embarking on the arduous path of natural winemaking. Employing biodynamic methods and relying on vines of exceptional age, they draw out the full potential of the Gamay grape, producing wines of remarkable depth, power, complexity and ageing potential, capable of maturing for over a decade and rivalling the Pinot Noir of neighbouring Burgundy. Jean Foillard stands as a prime example of this approach.

Neal Martin, former editor and wine critic for Wine Advocate, once remarked: 'If you still harbour the misguided belief that Beaujolais cannot produce world-class wines, then you have not tasted Jean Foillard's wines.'

Jean Foillard, hailed as the Master of Morgon and a pioneer of natural winemaking in Beaujolais, studied under Jules Chauvet, the father of French natural wine. Among the first winemakers to embrace natural methods, he stands alongside Marcel Lapierre, Jean Paul Thevenet and Guy Breton. These four figures are considered the soul of Beaujolais. Even the younger generation of winemakers, such as Yann Bertrand, respectfully refer to him as their teacher. Jean Foillard took over his father's estate in 1980 and runs it with his wife, Agnès. They employ biodynamic methods, using only natural yeasts, adding no sugar or acid, The estate lies within Morgon, one of ten Crus, considered the nobility among them. Within Morgon, Cote du Py stands as the most prized terroir, blessed with abundant sunshine and soils composed of granite and schist, fostering complexity and distinctive flavours in the wines.

Few Beaujolais producers achieve En Primeur status, yet new vintages are invariably snapped up upon release, demonstrating immense market demand. Following aggressive sourcing by European, American, Japanese, and Taiwanese importers/natural wine enthusiasts, market availability is now extremely limited. We at Wine Couple were fortunate to secure a small allocation. This is a rare opportunity. Compared to Burgundy's Pinot Noir, even as a young wine it won't disappoint. Naturally, if given 5-8 years to mature, it will reveal its most beautiful side. With sufficient time to develop, it possesses the potential to rival mature Côte de Nuits wines. Wine enthusiasts should not miss this.

Jean Foillard's vineyards span 14 hectares, primarily situated within the Cote du Py. This is one of Beaujolais' most renowned terroirs, nestled upon the slopes of Morgon. The estate's vineyard occupies the highest point of Cote du Py, benefiting from ample sunshine. Its soil, composed of granite and schist, imparts distinct complexity and flavour to the wine. This is a Beaujolais village-level wine. The Morgon red is rich and deep, with excellent structure and complex flavours. While possessing considerable ageing potential, it is already quite delicious and refined when young, with velvety tannins as smooth as silk.

Also classified as village wines are those from Fleurie, offering more direct ginger-fruit flavours. Foillard excels at letting the wine speak for itself. His vintages are powerful and well-structured, with enticing aromas of fresh black fruit, banana, stone, and cinnamon. Foillard employs old Burgundy barrels for ageing, imparting a touch of Burgundian elegance to his wines while retaining Gamay's delightful, vibrant fruitiness. These are exceptional natural wines that enthusiasts of fine Beaujolais simply must try.