Description

Of Piron Cote du Py 2017 Jancis Robinson says:

“Deepish crimson. Lots of grunt and structure on this youthful emissary from Morgon. Enjoy how much better value it is than so many red burgundies. But wait before drinking it for maximum value.” 16.5/20. October, 2019. jancisrobinson.com

Piron Cote du Py is a Beaujolais to drink after 5 years and preferably after 10. In a great vintage, you’ll be able to keep this wine indefinitely.

The oldest known ancestor of Dominique Piron’s was born in Morgon in 1590. That makes him the 14th generations winegrower. Dominique seeks to create characterful terroir wines. They are subtle and elegant with depth, freshness and are ageworthy. Although Morgon is the key, don’t overlook the rest of the range including six  Beaujolais crus, Beaujolais-Villages, sparkling and still Chardonnay, and Gamay rosé.

Morgon

This is the closest to Moulin-a-Vent in terms of weight and structure, and it can age nearly as well. It has a firm minerality, thanks chiefly to its granitic soils, and a fruit profile that shades towards orange.

Cote du Py Morgon

Considered one of the great sites for Beaujolais. The slope outside the town of Villié-Morgon featuring granite and schist soils sitting on an alluvial fan that imparts great complexity. Côte du Py has upwards of 100 growers sharing it. Therefore you get a great chance to try many examples.

Beaujolais

Most famous for aromatic, light of body, high acid reds that are made from the Gamay variety. There is a Burgundian sensibility on Rhone soil types which makes for an interesting style. The quality wines are refreshingly tart with aromatic complexity and enough fruit weight to balance out the tartness. You do have the option of cellaring your quality Beaujolais but often it is not required. The best wines are found in the 10 Crus of the region with the lesser appellations being akin to an ocean in more ways than one.  Whites from Chardonnay are available but hard to find.

Gamay

Grown in the French regions of Beaujolais and Loire Valley. It is early budding, high cropping, aromatic and high acid. It was outlawed from Burgundy by Duke Philippe the Bold for being disloyal. But has no doubt made up for that with honourable service. The best wines from Gamay can be Burgundian in flavour and well worth seeking out. Often they are exceptionally good value too.