Domaine Marcel Lapierre, 'Cuvée MMXXII' Morgon, Beaujolais, France, 2022

About The Producer
In the northern hills of Beaujolais lies the pastoral Villie-Morgan, one of the ten cru villages permitted to print its name on the bottle, and also considered home of one of the best wines in Beaujolais. An hour from Lyon, the second largest city in France, Villie-Morgan is a century away in atmosphere. It is also home to a group of groundbreaking and sometimes controversial winemakers know in the US as the Gang of Four. 

This group, informally spearheaded by Marcel Lapierre, strives to make wines as naturally as possible, in the vineyard and in the winery. Lapierre's vines average 40 years of age, and his grapes are always picked at the latest possible moment in order to obtain the ripest possible fruit. No pesticides or chemicals are used in the vineyards and no sulfur or yeast is added during fermentation. The resulting wines are pure and fruity, not overly alcoholic, and always a pleasure to drink.

Though the family’s Morgon roots date back over 110 years, a chance encounter in 1981 changed the Lapierres’ winemaking trajectory forever. Marcel Lapierre crossed paths with Jules Chauvet, a fellow Beaujolais-based winemaker who was paving the way for the modern day natural wine movement. Chauvet first spoke out against chemicals in vineyards, creating a cult following amongst neighboring winemakers-- with Marcel Lapierre dubbed the leader of the pack. This ‘Gang of Four’ was praised for their ‘rebellious’ advocacy for late harvesting, hatred for herbicides, and minimal to no sulfur usage. 

Marcel Lapierre has been pioneering the natural wine movement in Beaujolais since the 1980s and is dubbed one-fourth of Kermit Lynchs renowned Gang of Four. Since his tragic passing in 2010, Marcels vision is carried on by his two children, who continue to make honest wines via organic and biodynamic farming. Cuve N is a no-sulfur added varietal Gamay from one of Morgons greatest estates. 

Organic.

Grape / Blend
100% Gamay

Origin
Beaujolais, France

Tasting Notes
On the palate, this wine is a true delight. The fruit flavors are beautifully integrated, with the same red berries taking center stage. The wine displays a wonderful balance between its fruitiness and its acidity, creating a harmonious mouthfeel that is both refreshing and satisfying. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and a subtle grip, indicating that this wine has great aging potential.

The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. As the flavors slowly fade away, a touch of minerality shines through, reminding us of the unique soil composition that characterizes the Morgon appellation.

Product size: 750ml