2018 Domaine Jean Foillard Fleurie Beaujolais

Jean and Agnès Foillard took over Jean's father’s domaine in 1980. Most of their vineyards are planted on the Côte du Py, the famed slope outside the town of Villié-Morgon and the pride of Morgon. These granite and schist soils sit on an alluvial fan at the highest point above the town and impart great complexity. However, great real estate is not the only key to Foillard’s success. Early on, Jean began to follow the teachings of Jules Chauvet, a traditionalist who defied everything that the more commercial brands were touting in the region. Jean and three other local vignerons, Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton, soon joined in on the movement. This Gang of Four, as Kermit christened them, called for a return to the old practices of viticulture and vinification: starting with old vines, never using synthetic herbicides or pesticides, harvesting late, rigorously sorting to remove all but the healthiest grapes, adding minimal doses of sulfur dioxide or none at all, and refusing both chaptalization and filtration. The end result allows Beaujolais to express itself naturally, as it should be without the bubblegum and banana aromas of others available today. Its rustic structure, spicy notes, and mineral-laden backbone are what real Beaujolais is all about.

This estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares. Foillard’s wines are deep, structured, and complex, with a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible when young despite their aging potential. Jean raises his wines in older barrels sourced from top estates in Burgundy, a logical decision for someone crafting Gamay in a Burgundian style. It is the passion and dedication of vignerons like this that have brought pride back to the crus of the Beaujolais.

From 50 year old vines in the lieu-dits of Grille-Midi and Champagne in Fleurie. Expect plenty of muscle, power and drive in this vintage, with explosive aromatics and exceptional length.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A generous red with lots of ripe-berry, chocolate, walnut and dry-earth character. Some white truffle, too. It’s full-bodied with a round, chewy texture and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold."