Jean and Agnès Foillard took over his father’s domaine in 1980. Most of their vineyards are planted on the Côte du Py, the famed slope outside the town of Villié-Morgon. The estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares.
Jean followed the methods of Jules Chauvet, a traditionalist who defied everything that the more commercial brands were touting in the region. Jean and three other local vignerons, Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton, joined the movement. Kermit Lynch called this group The Gang of Four.
The Côte du Py is from vines that range in age from 10 years to 90 years old.
Crimson in color. 13% ABV. Delightful nose of red fruits, wet pavement, flowers and earth. Medium body with nice acidity. Warm, supple and charming. Black cherry, stewed tomatoes, blood and citrus on the palate. Medium length on the finish. So easy to drink. Delicious Beaujolais. I’d be inclined to drink my last bottle over the next year or so.
My rating: 91 points.
I buy this wine periodically but based on this bottle I am convinced I should probably buy most every vintage. Slightly expensive at $45, compared to other Beaujolais, but there is no arguing with the finished product.