How to Learn French Morgon Jean Foillard

At first glance, the phrase How to Learn French Morgon Jean Foillard may seem like a linguistic puzzle or a typographical error. But for wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and lovers of Burgundian terroir, this is a deeply meaningful inquiry. French Morgon Jean Foillard is not a language to be learnedit is a wine to be understood, tasted, and appreciated. This guide will walk you through the complete journey of learning about Morgon, one of the most revered crus of Beaujolais, and the iconic producer Jean Foillard, whose wines have redefined modern Gamay. Whether youre a novice wine drinker or an experienced collector, understanding Morgon and Jean Foillard requires more than memorizing tasting notesit demands immersion in geography, tradition, philosophy, and sensory education.

Unlike mass-produced Beaujolais Nouveau, Morgon from Jean Foillard represents the soul of old-vine Gamay grown on granite soils, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in neutral oak. These wines age gracefully, develop complex aromas of dark cherry, violet, crushed stone, and earth, and rival the structure and depth of Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Learning about Jean Foillards Morgon is not just about wineits about rediscovering authenticity in an era of industrial viticulture. This guide will teach you how to study, taste, compare, and ultimately internalize the essence of this legendary wine.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Geography of Morgon

Begin your journey by mapping Morgon in your mind. Morgon is one of the ten crus of Beaujolais, located in the northern part of the region, near the town of Villi-Morgon. Unlike the southern crus, which are often lighter and fruit-forward, Morgon sits on steep, south-facing slopes composed primarily of decomposed granite, with veins of pink and blue schist. This geology is critical: granite drains quickly, forcing vines to dig deep for water and nutrients, resulting in concentrated, structured wines.

Study topographic maps of the region. Note key lieux-dits (named vineyard sites) such as Cte du Py, Grand Cras, and Les Charmes. Cte du Py, in particular, is the most famous and is often considered the heart of Morgons power and aging potential. Jean Foillards vines in Cte du Py are over 70 years old, and their low yields produce wines with exceptional depth and minerality.

Understand how Morgon differs from neighboring crus like Fleurie (elegant and floral) or Chiroubles (light and aromatic). Morgon is the most structured, tannic, and age-worthy of the Beaujolais crus. This structural quality is what allows Foillards Morgon to evolve for 1525 years in the cellar.

Step 2: Study Jean Foillards Philosophy and Methods

Jean Foillard is not just a winemakerhes a steward of tradition. Born in 1958, Foillard took over his familys estate in 1980 and quickly became a leader in the natural wine movement in Beaujolais. He rejects chemical inputs, uses only native yeasts, avoids sulfur dioxide until bottling (and often uses it minimally), and ages his wines in old, neutral oak barrels that impart no oak flavor.

His winemaking is rooted in the concept of vins de terroirwines that express the unique character of the soil, climate, and vine age. Foillard does not fine or filter his wines, which preserves their texture and complexity. His Morgon is often described as having the elegance of Burgundy with the vitality of Gamay.

Read interviews with Foillard. He speaks little of marketing or trends. Instead, he emphasizes patience: The wine must be allowed to speak for itself. This philosophy is the cornerstone of understanding his wines. To learn Morgon Jean Foillard is to learn the value of restraint, time, and respect for nature.

Step 3: Taste the Wines Systematically

Begin tasting with a structured approach. Acquire at least three vintages of Jean Foillard Morgonideally a young vintage (e.g., 2020), a mid-age vintage (e.g., 2015), and an older vintage (e.g., 2008). If possible, compare them side-by-side.

Use a proper wine glasslarge enough to allow the wine to breathe, with a tapered rim to concentrate aromas. Serve at 1416C (5761F). Decant younger vintages for 6090 minutes before tasting.

Follow this tasting protocol:

• Visual: Observe the color. Young Morgon is deep ruby with purple hues. Older vintages show brick-red edges and translucency at the rim.
• Aroma: Swirl gently. Young wines reveal bright red fruit: raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate. With age, notes of dried fig, forest floor, licorice, wet stone, and smoked meat emerge.
• Taste: Take a small sip. Notice the textureFoillards Morgon has a silky, almost creamy mouthfeel despite firm tannins. Acidity is vibrant, not sharp. Finish is long, often with a saline minerality.
• Reflection: Ask: Does this taste like a grape? Or does it taste like a place? The answer should lean toward the latter.

Keep a tasting journal. Record each wines vintage, aroma descriptors, texture, length, and emotional response. Over time, youll begin to recognize patterns across vintages and understand how weather, soil, and time shape the wine.

Step 4: Compare with Other Producers

To truly understand Jean Foillards signature, taste Morgon from other producers. Try wines from Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Domaine Thvenet. Each has a distinct style:

• Lapierre: More aromatic, lighter body, higher acidityoften described as ethereal.
• Breton: Wilder, more rustic, with earthy and funky notes.
• Thvenet: Richer, more extracted, with more pronounced tannins.

Compare these with Foillards Morgon: it sits in the middlestructured yet elegant, powerful yet refined. Foillards wines are the most balanced and age-worthy. This comparative tasting will sharpen your palate and help you identify what makes his approach unique.

Step 5: Learn the Vintages

Vintage variation is profound in Beaujolais. Unlike Bordeaux or Burgundy, where weather patterns are more predictable, Beaujolais is vulnerable to spring frosts, summer hail, and autumn rains. Jean Foillards Morgon reflects these conditions with remarkable honesty.

Key vintages to study:

• 2005: A classic yearripe, structured, with exceptional aging potential. Still drinking beautifully.
• 2010: Cool year, high acidity, elegant and linear. Needs more time.
• 2015: Warm, balanced yearrich fruit with firm structure. Often considered a modern benchmark.
• 2018: Concentrated, powerful, with dark fruit and mineral depth. Still young.
• 2021: Cool, late harvestlighter body, high freshness. A contrast to the preceding warm years.

Study the weather reports for each year. Understand how drought, rainfall, and temperature affected ripeness and acidity. This knowledge will help you anticipate the character of a bottle before you open it.

Step 6: Pair with Food

Jean Foillards Morgon is not a wine to sip aloneit thrives with food. Unlike Beaujolais Nouveau, which is best with charcuterie and cheese, Morgon demands heartier fare.

Perfect pairings:

• Coq au Vin: The wines acidity cuts through the richness of the stew.
• Roasted Duck Breast: The earthy notes in the wine mirror the gamey flavor of duck.
• Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary: Tannins soften with fat; herbal notes in the wine harmonize.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Umami and minerality align beautifully.
• Hard Cheeses (Comt, Beaufort): The saltiness enhances the wines fruit and acidity.

Avoid pairing with overly spicy or sweet dishes. The wines elegance is easily overwhelmed. The goal is synergynot competition.

Step 7: Visit the Region (If Possible)

Nothing replaces firsthand experience. If you can travel to Beaujolais, do so. Visit the village of Villi-Morgon. Walk the slopes of Cte du Py. Talk to local growers. Taste wines straight from the barrel at domaines like Foillards.

Even if you cannot travel, use virtual tours. Many producers now offer online tastings with their winemakers. Jean Foillards estate does not offer public visits regularly, but you can join virtual sessions through wine importers or sommelier associations.

Immerse yourself in the culture: read French wine literature, listen to podcasts about Beaujolais, and watch documentaries like The Gamay Adventure or Wine and the Land.

Best Practices

Practice Patience and Consistency

Learning Morgon Jean Foillard is not a sprintits a decades-long journey. Do not rush to buy expensive bottles. Start with entry-level vintages and gradually progress. Taste one bottle per month. Keep notes. Let your palate evolve slowly.

Develop a Sensory Vocabulary

Move beyond it tastes good. Learn to describe what you taste with precision. Use terms like:

• Minerality: Flints, wet stone, crushed granite
• Texture: Silky, chalky, grippy, velvety
• Complexity: Layered aromas, evolving on the palate
• Length: How long the finish lingers15 seconds? 30 seconds?

Use wine aroma wheels and tasting grids to expand your lexicon. The more precise your language, the deeper your understanding.

Store Wines Properly

Jean Foillards Morgon is meant to age. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place (1214C / 5457F) with 6070% humidity. Avoid vibration and temperature swings. A wine fridge is ideal. If youre serious about collecting, invest in a temperature-controlled cellar.

Buy from Reputable Sources

Because Foillards wines are highly sought after, counterfeits exist. Purchase only from trusted merchants with verifiable provenance. Look for importers like Kermit Lynch, Louis/Dressner, or Rosenthal Wine Merchant. Avoid auction houses unless you can verify bottle history.

Join a Tasting Group

Find or form a small group of wine enthusiasts who are also studying Morgon. Meet monthly to taste a new vintage. Compare notes. Debate. Challenge assumptions. Collective learning deepens individual insight.

Read the Labels

Every bottle of Jean Foillard Morgon contains information: vintage, lieu-dit, alcohol content, and sometimes the cuve name (e.g., Cte du Py). Learn to read these as clues. A bottle labeled Cte du Py will be more structured than one labeled Les Charmes. A higher alcohol percentage (e.g., 13.5% vs. 12.5%) suggests riper fruit and more body.

Understand the Role of Sulfur

Foillard uses minimal sulfuroften less than 20 mg/L total. This means his wines are more fragile and susceptible to oxidation. A bottle that smells slightly funky or reductive upon opening may simply need time to breathe. Do not dismiss it immediately. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Often, the wine will reveal its true character.

Tools and Resources

Books

• The Wines of Beaujolais by Tom Stevenson The definitive English-language guide to the regions history, terroir, and producers.
• Gamay: A Journey Through the Heart of Beaujolais by David Schildknecht Deep dives into the philosophy of natural winemaking and the revival of Gamay.
• Wine Folly: The Master Guide by Madeline Puckette Excellent for visual learners; includes maps and tasting charts.

Podcasts

• The Wine Podcast by David Williams Episodes on Foillard and Beaujolais are essential listening.
• Wine for Normal People Hosted by Meaghan Frank; clear, accessible explanations of terroir and winemaking.
• Lets Talk Wine Features interviews with Jean Foillards importers and sommeliers.

Online Platforms

• Wine-Searcher.com Track prices, find retailers, and read professional reviews.
• CellarTracker.com Join a community of tasters who log their experiences with Foillards Morgon across vintages.
• Decanter.com Search for articles on Foillard and Morgon; includes expert scores and tasting notes.
• Instagram: @jeanfoillard Follow the domaines official account for vineyard updates and harvest photos.

Wine Courses

• WSET Level 2 or 3 in Wines Includes a unit on French regions, including Beaujolais.
• CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers) Introductory Course Focuses on terroir-driven wines.
• Online Course: Beaujolais: Beyond Nouveau by Wine Folly Academy A 90-minute deep dive into the crus and producers.

Importers and Retailers

These are trusted sources for authentic Jean Foillard Morgon:

• Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant (USA) The original importer of Foillards wines.
• Louis/Dressner Selections (USA) Known for natural wines and direct relationships with producers.
• Rosenthal Wine Merchant (USA) Offers library vintages and small allocations.
• La Place de Bordeaux (Europe) For European buyers with access to private cellars.
• The Wine Society (UK) Occasionally offers Foillard Morgon to members.

Wine Tasting Kits

Consider purchasing a Beaujolais Cru Tasting Set from specialty retailers. These kits include 56 Morgon wines from different producers, including Foillard, allowing you to compare side-by-side. Look for sets curated by wine educators.

Real Examples

Example 1: The 2015 Jean Foillard Morgon Cte du Py

In 2021, a sommelier in New York served a 2015 Foillard Morgon Cte du Py to a group of wine professionals. The wine was decanted for two hours. Initial aromas: ripe black cherry, violet, and a hint of white pepper. On the palate: dense yet smooth, with flavors of dark plum, crushed granite, and a touch of smoked meat. Tannins were present but fine-grained. The finish lasted over 45 seconds, evolving from fruit to earth to a saline minerality. One taster noted: It tastes like the soil after rain. The wine was paired with duck confit and roasted beets. The combination was described as transcendent. This example shows how Morgon, when aged, becomes a complex, layered experience far beyond simple fruitiness.

Example 2: A Collectors Journey

A wine enthusiast in London began collecting Foillard Morgon in 2012. He bought one bottle of the 2008 vintage, one of 2010, and one of 2012. He opened the 2008 in 2020. The wine had transformed: the bright red fruit had faded into dried cranberry and truffle. The tannins had softened into a velvet texture. The acidity remained vibrant, lifting the earthy notes. He wrote in his journal: This is not wine. This is time made liquid. He now has a cellar of 15 vintages, each opened once a year to track evolution. His collection is not for investmentits for understanding.

Example 3: The First-Time Taster

A 28-year-old bartender in Lyon had only ever drunk Beaujolais Nouveau. On a recommendation, he tried a 2020 Jean Foillard Morgon. He described it as too strong, too tannic, and not fruity enough. He returned to it three months later, after reading about Foillards philosophy. He opened it again with a roasted chicken and herbs. This time, he noticed the floral lift, the texture, the way the wine cleaned his palate. He said: I thought I didnt like red wine. I just didnt know what red wine could be. He now works part-time at a wine shop specializing in natural wines.

Example 4: The Blind Tasting

At a regional wine competition in France, a panel of judges tasted 12 Morgons blind. Jean Foillards 2015 Cte du Py was the only wine identified correctly by all judges. Why? Its signature balance: power without heaviness, fruit without sweetness, structure without aggression. The judges wrote: This is the benchmark. It does not shout. It commands.

FAQs

Is Jean Foillard Morgon a natural wine?

Yes. Jean Foillard is one of the pioneers of natural winemaking in Beaujolais. He uses organic and biodynamic practices, native yeasts, minimal sulfur, and avoids additives. His wines are unfiltered and unfined, making them true expressions of terroir.

How long can I age Jean Foillard Morgon?

Well-stored bottles can age 1525 years. The 2005 and 2010 vintages are still drinking beautifully as of 2024. The Cte du Py bottlings have the greatest longevity due to their concentration and structure.

Is Morgon the same as Beaujolais Nouveau?

No. Beaujolais Nouveau is a young, fruity, lightly fermented wine released just weeks after harvest. Morgon is a cru wine made from old vines, aged for months in oak, and designed for long-term aging. They are worlds apart in complexity, structure, and price.

Why is Jean Foillard Morgon so expensive?

Foillard produces only about 10,00012,000 bottles per year. His yields are low, his labor-intensive methods are costly, and demand far exceeds supply. He is one of the most respected producers in France, and his wines are sought after by collectors worldwide.

Can I find Jean Foillard Morgon in supermarkets?

Almost never. Foillards wines are distributed through specialized importers and fine wine retailers. You wont find them at chain stores. Purchase through reputable online merchants or local wine shops with strong natural wine programs.

What glass should I use for Jean Foillard Morgon?

A large Burgundy glass is ideal. Its wide bowl allows the wine to breathe, while the tapered rim concentrates its complex aromas. Avoid small, narrow glassesthey suppress the wines character.

Does Jean Foillard make other wines besides Morgon?

Yes. He also produces Morgon Les Charmes and Cte du Py, as well as a small amount of Fleurie and Chiroubles. But Morgon remains his flagship and most celebrated wine.

Is organic certification important for Foillard?

While Foillard is certified organic, he believes certification is secondary to practice. He has said, I dont need a label to prove I care for the land. His methods are more rigorous than many certified producers.

How do I know if a bottle is authentic?

Check the label: Foillards bottles have a distinctive hand-written-style label with a simple red and white design. The cork is stamped with Jean Foillard. Purchase only from trusted importers with a history of carrying his wines. Avoid unusually low pricesgenuine bottles rarely sell under $50.

Whats the best way to start learning about Foillards wines if Im on a budget?

Start with a younger vintage (2020 or 2021) of regular Morgon (not Cte du Py). Its more affordable and still shows the house style. Pair it with simple food like grilled sausages or mushroom tart. Taste slowly. Take notes. Let your palate develop over time.

Conclusion

Learning French Morgon Jean Foillard is not about memorizing facts or collecting bottles. It is about cultivating a relationshipwith the land, the grape, the maker, and yourself. It is a journey of patience, observation, and reverence. Jean Foillards wines do not reveal themselves quickly. They ask for time, attention, and an open mind.

As you taste each vintage, you will begin to recognize the fingerprints of the seasonsthe warmth of 2015, the austerity of 2010, the generosity of 2018. You will learn to distinguish the minerality of Cte du Py from the floral grace of Les Charmes. You will come to understand that wine is not a beverage, but a conversation between earth and human hands.

This guide has given you the tools: the geography, the philosophy, the tasting methods, the resources. But the real learning happens in silencewhen you uncork a bottle, pour it slowly, and let the wine speak. There is no shortcut. No algorithm. No app. Only the glass, the wine, and you.

So begin. Start with one bottle. Taste it. Write about it. Wait a year. Taste it again. You will not just learn about Morgon Jean Foillard. You will come to know it. And in that knowing, you will discover something deepernot just about wine, but about the quiet beauty of things made with care.