Morgon Domaine des Hospices de Belleville

Grape Variety :

The gamay noir with white juice.

Vineyard

Site: at the heart of Beaujolais, between Régnié and Chiroubles.

The Hospices de Belleville's Morgon is produced on a single plot of 12 acres : "Château Gaillard". It is situated in the north of the village of Villié-Morgon facing south-east.

History & tradition: the term "morgon" means "decayed soil", the schist falls in pieces.

In 2014, Maison Joseph Drouhin signed an exclusive partnership with the Hospices de Belleville, historical owner of 34 acres in the 3 crus of Fleurie, Brouilly and Morgon.

Soil: comprised of very flaky cristalline rocks iron oxide and manganese.

Vinification

Depending on the plot and the quality of the grapes, part of the harvest is de-stemmed for a "Burgundy style" vinification with punch downs and pump overs, whilst the rest is vinified as whole cluster with carbonic maceration. Slow fermentation lasts between 10 to 15 days.

Ageing

The wines which are vinified Burgundy style are aged in large "pieces", (500 liters), stainless steel tanks are reserved for the wines issued from carbonic maceration. The wines are then assembled into one unique "cuvée".

Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin

The colour is purple violet, this Morgon, already unveils its temperament by aromas of very ripe red fruits, spices and liquorice. The palate confirms a tannic structure, a little firm as yet, covered by balanced and fruity flesh.

Vintage

2020: A vintage of maturity, freshness and balance The grapes harvested were very ripe, in a very satisfactory state of health. This vintage offers wines with a sustained colour, of a very deep red with bluish tints. The aromatic expression is rather intense this year, on the black fruit register. The tannins are ripe and supple and the wines offer a beautiful substance and density, in particular for the Beaujolais crus. Quantitatively 2020 is a rather average harvest. The wines will offer a lot of indulgence for all lovers of this beautiful Gamay grape.

Serving

Temperature: eecommended for service between 17 and 18°C.

Cellaring: it deserves a year of patience to best reveal its character, and then it will be at its best in the coming 6 to 10 years.