Beaujolais

At this domaine it is very much quality over quantity with the 100-year-old Gamay vines producing precious little fruit. However, the fruit that is produced is dense, concentrated and intense with all these characteristics following through into the wine.

This 12.5-hectare estate was set up way back in 1951 and the wines produced here are textbook Beaujolais but with additional structure. Benoît Trichard, his wife and their two sons make up the family team based in Odenas. For the Trichard family, respect for the environment is crucial and they put every effort into their vineyards with a very 'hands on' approach. The care and attention to detail here really shines through in the resultant wine.

Domaine de Gry-Sablon is situated in Emeringes, a village made up of slopes that face the southern sun. Dominique Morel owns 16 hectares and only vinifies his own grapes. Apart from Morgon, he also produces Fleurie, Juliénas, Régnié, St Amour as well as three colours of Beaujolais-Villages. The domaine was created in the early 1900s when Mr Cinquin - great-grand-father of Mr Albert Morel - arrived in Emeringes. In 1991 Dominique Morel, an oenologist, joined his father.

The wine from Jean Foillard is exceptional; it has a wonderful purity and freshness along with expression and personality not often found with the Gamay grape variety. The fruit is sourced from 60 year old vines, yields are kept to an absolute minimum and the wine is bottled unsulphered, unfiltered and unfined to maximize the intensity and complexity. A fragrant nose of wild strawberries, candied cherries and earthy undertones lead you into the silky and sumptuous palate of this extraordinary and compelling Beaujolais.