1978 Bouchard Pere et Fils Morgon

This Beaune-based domaine is one of the largest and most venerable in Burgundy. It was founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard as a textile sales and distribution company. But twenty years later Michel’s son Joseph acquired vineyards in Volnay in the famous Les Caillerets climat and started producing wine. Over the centuries the family continued to acquire exceptional vineyards throughout the Côte d’Or. For nine generations the Bouchard family ran the estate, creating notable wines, and ran their own negociant business. In 1986 the Bouchards built a new state-of-the-art facility and in 1995 they sold the estate to the French Champagne house Joseph Henriot. With more than 300 acres of vineyards in various parts of Burgundy, Bouchard Pere et Fils produces Grand Crus, Premiers Crus and other wines. It makes red and white Burgundies and is especially well-known for Grand Cru Chardonnays.

Morgon is considered one of the finest of the Beaujolais Cru appellations. It is also the second largest with 2,717 acres of vineyards. The appellation is in central Beaujolais south of Fleurie and is centered around Mont du Py, whose Côte du Py granite hillsides are home to some of the best Morgon vineyards. The Gamays made in Morgon are full-bodied and concentrated but less fruity than other Beaujolais Crus. Morgons are also known for their ability to age, unlike some other Beaujolais. The alcohol content is often relatively high and in some vintages the wines approach 14% alcohol. About 700,000 cases are produced annually.

The Gamay grape produces a light, versatile and food-friendly wine. It is best known for making Beaujolais Nouveau, but it is also grown in Loire and Tours. Thankfully the 14th C. Duke of Burgundy’s degree to ban the grape did not spread through all of France.