Region: Morgon AOC, Beaujolais, France

Varietal: 100% Gamay

Producer: At Château des Jacques, Beaujolais gets the grand-cru Burgundy treatment. Purchased in 1996 by Maison Louis Jadot, the estate helped reshape how serious Morgon could be, focusing on single vineyards, meticulous farming, and cellar techniques more commonly associated with the Côte d’Or. Their work helped prove that Gamay grown on the right slopes could deliver depth, structure, and real aging potential.

Vineyard & Winemaking: This Morgon comes from granite- and schist-rich slopes around the appellation’s historic hillside sites, where old vines dig deep into fractured bedrock. Unlike many Beaujolais producers who rely entirely on carbonic maceration, Château des Jacques largely destems and ferments Gamay more traditionally, followed by aging in oak barrels. The approach brings a little more backbone and polish, highlighting the cru’s naturally structured style.

Tasting Notes: Morgon is famous for “morgonner”—the way Gamay here starts juicy and vibrant, then slowly takes on darker, more Burgundian depth with time. The 2021 shows lively red cherry, raspberry, and violets up front, with hints of spice, earth, and crushed stone beneath. Medium-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity, it’s energetic now but has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next several years.