Morgon Wine Region

Morgon is Beaujolais' second largest Cru, known for its famous volcanic cone Cote du Py, which produces wines that are exceptionally robust, warm, and spicy. The Morgon wine appellation is one of the 10 Beaujolais crus which produces red wines from the Gamay grape variety. Their wines are among the best in the region and are highly regarded by wine connoisseurs.

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Where is Morgon wine region?

Morgon is located on the western bank of the Saone River, on the slopes of the Beaujolais Hills. It lies in the heart of the Beaujolais, a beautiful wine region of France, and just south of Burgundy, that is famed for its Gamay-Noir-based wines. The vineyards surround the commune of Villié-Morgon and cover around 12.5 square kilometres (4.5 square miles). In the north of Morgon are the Chénas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie and Chiroubles vineyards, while Brouilly, Côte-de-Brouilly and Régnié wine appellations border the south. 

Type of Terroir in Morgon

Morgon, an illustrious cru in the famed Beaujolais wine region of France, is renowned for the unique wines produced from six prominent vineyards, or 'lieux-dits'. These include Les Charmes, La Côte du Py, Les Micouds, Les Grands Cras, Corcelette, and Douby. The Morgon wines embody the fruitiness of Gamay grapes, nurtured in a favorable climate and generously sun-kissed terroirs. With distinctive qualities owing to the local 'terroir', Morgon wines exhibit robust structure and complexity, often compared to the renowned wines of Burgundy.

The Morgon wine appellation is situated on the western slopes of the Saone River, a premium wine terroir. Morgon wines honour the entire Beaujolais region by enhancing the terroir's strong essence with a bouquet of juicy stone fruit, which contributes to the wines' distinctive characteristics. The aged, disintegrating soil is the most defining element of Morgon wine region terroir. This is made up mostly of granite and schist, with some volcanic elements thrown in for good measure. The texture of these soils ranges from sandy loams to heavy clays. They are iron-rich and give the wines an earthy richness not found in any other Beaujolais Cru.

No geographical barriers to sunlight exist in the Saône River's vast, shallow basin. As a result, during the growth season, the vines receive enough sunlight, which aids in the production of phenols and sugars in the grapes. Cooling influences from the Mediterranean Sea, some distance to the south, temper this, allowing the wines to retain acidity.

Morgon Wine Characteristics

The wines produced here are denser than those produced elsewhere in Beaujolais. Morgon wines are dark plum-coloured, velvety in texture, and have a fascinating mix of tastes and scents, leaving a deliciously rich taste in the mouth. They frequently have earthy, floral, cherry, and black fruit flavours, as well as a meaty, luscious mouthfeel not found in other Beaujolais wines. After a period of time, the best wines will develop rich, savoury flavours. They are regarded as the most “masculine” of all the Cru wines. Rarely do you come across a wine that combines earthiness and stone fruits in such a seductive way. Although the primary grape variety here is Gamay, some white grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Aligoté, and Melon de Bourgogne are also used to blend to produce the final product of Morgon.

Food to Pair with Morgon Wine

Beef Bourguignonne

Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French beef stew braised originally made with red wine, usually red Burgundy, and beef stock. It is typically flavoured with carrots, onions, garlic, and topped with pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon for garnishing. The pairing of Morgon wines with the traditional Bourguignonne is a classic one and one that perfectly balances each other. The hearty stew's richness softens the wine's tart red fruit finish, while the gentle Beaujolais holds up to the tender, slow-braised beef and creamy gravy.

Barbecued Pork Tenderloin 

Barbecued Pork Tenderloin is a summertime classic that is flavorful and light. Pairing it with red wines such as Morgon makes an excellent match for the tender barbecued pork. The robust and earthy undertones of Morgon will beautifully complement the flavors of the meat by adding an extra kick to it.

Aged Mimolette 

In France, nothing compares to an aged Mimolette. When it comes to flavour, this semi-soft cheese with a unique round form and somewhat orange hue take on a variety of fruity and nutty notes. This cheese elevates the wine and cheese combo to another level when coupled with a glass of the classic red Morgon wine.

Places to Visit near Morgon wine region

Bagnols

Bagnols is a small village in the Beaujolais a few km away from Morgon, with a beautiful church and castles that make for a lovely stroll. The main square, Place du Chateau is a place full of charms that will surely enthrall you with its historical monuments that date back to the 13th century.

Abbey of Cluny

Named after St. Peter, Cluny Abbey, in Cluny, Saône-et-Loire is a former Benedictine monastery. An abbey is a beautiful place built in the Romanesque architectural style, with three churches built in from the 4th to the early 12th century, an exquisite masterpiece to explore European architecture.

Porte des Pierres Dorées

Porte des Pierres Dorées is a picturesque charming settlement that is built with 40 parishes. It is also known as Golden Stone Country because of the use of golden ocher rocks to build the settlement, which reflects sunlight and gives them remarkably warm and luminous hues. It's a wonderful and warm area with breathtaking views, medieval villages, and well-kept vineyard hills.

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