2024 Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon Saint Vincent, Beaujolais

In Morgon, where Beaujolais starts to take on a more serious, cellar worthy edge, the Desvignes family has been farming since the 18th century. Louis Claude Desvignes carries that lineage forward with a focus on traditional methods and old vines rooted in the region’s decomposed granite soils. Saint Vincent is his calling card, a cuvée that brings together fruit from across the estate, offering both approachability and a clear sense of place.

There is an inviting burst of red cherry and raspberry, with a darker note of plum sitting just behind. Floral hints of violet lift the aromatics, while a gentle earthiness and touch of spice add depth. It is expressive without being overdone, very much in that classic Morgon style.

The palate has more structure than your typical Beaujolais, medium bodied with fine tannins giving shape to the fruit. There is a lovely balance between juicy red berries and a savoury undercurrent, finishing with a hint of mineral and soft spice that lingers. It feels both fresh and grounded, easy to drink yet quietly complex.

This is a natural at the table. Roast chicken, duck with cherries, or charcuterie all work beautifully, and it is equally at home with grilled sausages or a simple mushroom dish where the wine’s earthy side can shine.

Drink it now with a slight chill to highlight its vibrancy, or cellar for five to eight years as it develops more depth, with notes of forest floor and spice coming to the fore.