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GUY BRETON Morgon "Vielles Vignes"
GUY BRETON Morgon "Vielles Vignes"
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$48.00 USD
Regular price
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$48.00 USD
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The 2023 Guy Breton Morgon "Vieilles Vignes" (VV) is a standout red wine from the Morgon cru in Beaujolais, France, crafted by Guy Breton, a legendary figure in the natural wine movement and one of the original "Gang of Four." This wine is made from 100% Gamay grapes sourced from old vines—some over 80 years old—planted in the granite and sandy soils of the Saint Joseph and Grand Cras subzones of Morgon, with a high-altitude parcel adding structure and acidity to the blend. Breton’s approach is minimalist and traditional, emphasizing the purity of the fruit and the expression of terroir without heavy intervention.
For the 2023 vintage, expect a wine that balances vibrancy with depth. While specific tasting notes for this exact release are still emerging as it’s early in its lifecycle (bottled likely in mid-2024), Breton’s Morgon VV typically displays a bright ruby-to-garnet color with a bouquet of red and black fruits—cherries, raspberries, and blackberries—layered with floral hints like violets, a touch of spice, and a stony minerality from the schist-laden soils. On the palate, it’s likely to be light-to-medium-bodied, with silky tannins, zippy acidity, and a juicy, fruit-driven core that finishes with a subtle rustic edge—think peppery herbs or a faint almond bitterness, classic for Dolcetto’s cousin, Gamay. Breton’s signature style leans toward elegance and drinkability, often with lower alcohol (around 12.5–13%) and a breezy freshness that invites immediate enjoyment, though it can age gracefully for 5–10 years.
The winemaking process involves whole-cluster, semi-carbonic maceration at low temperatures to preserve aromatics, followed by fermentation with native yeasts in tank or old oak barrels for 8–10 months. Sulfur use is minimal, aligning with Breton’s natural philosophy. The 2023 growing season in Beaujolais was marked by a warm, dry summer after a wet spring, yielding ripe yet balanced grapes, which suggests this vintage could carry concentrated fruit with lively acidity—a hallmark of Breton’s ability to turn heat into finesse.
This Morgon VV pairs beautifully with charcuterie, roasted poultry, or earthy mushroom dishes, and it’s best served slightly chilled to highlight its freshness. It’s a wine that reflects both the rugged charm of Morgon’s terroir and Breton’s deft hand at crafting Gamay that’s pure, expressive, and downright delicious. Given its small production (from just over 4 hectares of estate vines), it’s a sought-after bottle among natural wine enthusiasts.
