2024 Jean-Paul et Charly Thevenet Morgon Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais

Jean Paul et Charly Thévenet Morgon Vieilles Vignes is one of the great soulful wines of Beaujolais, a stunning example of how old vine Gamay from Morgon can deliver depth, finesse and a real sense of place. The Thévenet family are part of the celebrated Morgon lineage shaped by Jean Foillard, Marcel Lapierre and the natural wine pioneers who transformed the region. Their vines sit in the heart of Morgon’s Côte du Py and surrounding slopes, rooted in crumbly schist, decomposed granite and manganese rich soils that give the wine its dark fruit core and savoury mineral edge. Charly now leads the domaine alongside his father, farming organically, picking by hand and working with absolute care to preserve purity and structure.

The fruit for this cuvée comes from very old Gamay vines, many around seventy years of age. These low yielding vines produce tiny berries with thick skins, deep colour and concentrated flavour. Winemaking follows the traditional semi carbonic approach that Morgon is famous for, allowing whole bunches to ferment gently to capture vibrant aromatics, silky texture and that signature Morgon plushness. Ageing takes place in older barrels to add subtle roundness without masking the vineyard character. The result is a wine that balances energy and seriousness, offering both immediate charm and genuine ageing potential.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby colour. The nose is expressive and layered with black cherry, ripe raspberry, plum skin and wild strawberry supported by notes of violets, crushed rock, licorice, spice and a faint herbal lift. With air, earthy undertones of forest floor, graphite and dried flowers emerge, adding complexity and a distinctly Morgon savoury quality.

The palate is supple, juicy and wonderfully structured. Dark berry fruit flows across the tongue with fine grained tannins and fresh acidity keeping everything in perfect harmony. Flavours of cherry, dark plum, raspberry compote, subtle spice, cocoa and stony minerality build through the mid palate. The finish is long, elegant and slightly earthy with lingering red fruit and a savoury mineral thread that speaks directly to its schist rich slopes. It is both delicious now and serious enough to cellar for ten years or more, softening into deeper, more savoury complexity.

This wine pairs beautifully with duck breast, roast chicken with herbs, charcuterie, pork fillet, grilled lamb chops, mushroom ragù, Comté cheese or rich vegetarian dishes. Gamay’s natural freshness also makes it superb alongside lighter fare like tomato based pastas, grilled vegetables or even slightly spicy dishes.