From: Villié-Morgon, Beaujolais, France
Varietal: Gamay
Tasting Notes & Critical Acclaim: The 2022 Côte du Py is a powerful and layered expression of Gamay, showcasing a vibrant core that is both structured and approachable—aromas of fresh blueberries, strawberries, and subtle mineral notes. On the palate, the wine reveals minerality, with earthy stone and plum flavors that intermingle beautifully with the fruit. Fine, dusty tannins support the medium-bodied profile, while a peppery, persistent finish adds complexity and depth.
"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." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Pairing: A perfect pairing would be a rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, where the wine’s structure complements the lamb’s richness, and the herbaceous notes bring out the wine’s complexity. For a lighter meat dish, try roast chicken with thyme and mushrooms, as the wine’s minerality plays beautifully with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
For more robust options, braised short ribs pair wonderfully with the wine’s layered flavors, allowing the tannins to soften the richness of the beef. Venison stew is another great match, its gamey, hearty nature elevated by the wine’s vibrant core and lingering peppery finish.
The wine also pairs well with grilled sausages, where the smoky, spicy flavors meld with the fruit and mineral notes of the Côte du Py. For a vegetarian option, consider a wild mushroom tart—the earthy mushrooms and buttery pastry bring out the wine’s stony minerality and balance the fruitiness.
For something unconventional, try spicy lamb kebabs with harissa, as the wine’s freshness counters the heat while its depth complements the spice. A final pairing idea is slow-roasted pork belly, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness, and its fine tannins match the crispy, succulent pork.
Epis Braised Beef Short Ribs
Recipe from Gregory Gourdet, adapted by Brett Anderson
About. Jean Foillard, synonymous with high-quality, natural Beaujolais wines, has captivated wine lovers globally with his faithful representation of the Gamay grape. His approach to winemaking harks back to the fundamentals of terroir-driven, non-interventionist practices, creating wines that speak directly to the land and heritage of the Beaujolais region.
Wine Notes. The Côte du Py is produced from organically farmed Gamay vines ranging from 10 to 90 years old, grown in soils rich with schist, granite, and manganese. Sourced from an 8.6-hectare vineyard, the grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and undergo traditional whole-cluster fermentation, lasting 3 to 4 weeks. After fermentation, the wine is aged 6 to 9 months in used oak barrels, all at least two years old. The wine remains unfiltered, with no added sulfur dioxide during vinification, preserving its natural expression and purity. This careful approach allows the terroir of Côte du Py to shine through in every bottle.
