91pts Vinous

The 2021 Fleurie comes from 3-hectares that suffered a lot of grillure in recent years and resulted in Foillard having to uproot parcels in the lieu-dit of \"Champagne\". This needs more encouragement on the nose compared to the Morgons. It is quite ripe considering the vintage - red cherries and crushed strawberry, hints of kirsch. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and crisp with fine tannins, brisk acidity and a touch of bitter cherry on the Morgon-like finish. Fine.

Winemaker Notes

Domaine Jean Foillard Fleurie is 100% Gamay from 45-50 year old vines.

Winery Notes

Most of the estate vineyards are planted on the Côte du Py, the famed slope outside the town of Villié-Morgon and the pride of Morgon. These granite and schist soils sit on an alluvial fan at the highest point above the town and impart great complexity. However, great real estate is not the only key to Foillard’s success. Early on, Jean began to follow the teachings 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, soon joined in on the movement. This estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares. Foillard’s Morgons are deep, structured, and complex, with a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible when young despite their aging potential. Jean raises his wines in older barrels sourced from top estates in Burgundy, a logical decision for someone crafting Gamay in a Burgundian style. It is the passion and dedication of vignerons like this that have brought pride back to the crus of the Beaujolais.