Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2021

Tasting Notes

Morgon is one of the 10 Beaujolais crus (cru here meaning a wine producing area rather than a single vineyard) and is noted for its deep coloured wines, its cherry, violet and liquorice aromas.

Marcel Lapierre was a leading light in France’s natural wine movement and Domaine Marcel Lapierre has been run by Marcel’s son Mathieu and daughter Camille since 2010. They continue the ethos of producing one of the finest wines of Beaujolais as naturally as possible. Old vines, natural yeasts and minimal intervention.

Rather than the vivid purple of some Beaujolais wines, this is a fairly deep ruby red.  Though relatively light-bodied (think Pinot Noir light), there is Morgon complexity in its aromas and flavours which are fruity – sweet cherry – with hints of violet and licquorice. The texture is wonderfully smooth partly due to low and fine tannins I was bowled over when I tasted this wine, a light fruity but complex wine.

Beaujolais wines, made 100% from the Gamay grape, are the quintessential fruity wines but memories of characterless, peardrop-scented Beaujolais Nouveau mean that the name “Beaujolais” often sends a shudder down the spine.  But it is possible to find superb wines in the Beaujolais region especially in the higher classified wines of the crus Beaujolais – and because they are no longer particularly fashionable, the wines are often good value.