Located in the heart of Beaujolais, the AOC Morgon is one of the most prestigious appellations of this iconic wine region situated between Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Known for its rich, powerful, and elegant red wines, Morgon derives its unique character from its exceptional terroir and is part of the 10 regional crus.
In this article, we invite you to join us in discovering this remarkable appellation and to explore its history, terroirs, and wines.Happy discovery !
Summary
History of the Morgon appellation
The history of Morgon begins in Antiquity, a period when the Romans introduced vine cultivation in the region.These individuals quickly understand that this granitic terroir is particularly suitable for producing wines of exceptional finesse.
In the Middle Ages, the vineyards of Beaujolais and Morgon came under the influence of religious orders, notably that of the Abbey of Cluny, which played a crucial role in the development and preservation of viticulture. At that time, the wines of Morgon were already appreciated for their quality in a region primarily dedicated to red wines from the Gamay grape variety.
The first written mentions of the Beaujolais vineyards appear in documents from the 13th and 14th centuries. These texts describe general wine-growing areas but do not mention the villages individually.From the 17th century, the maps and writings of merchants began to mention specific wine-producing communes, indicating that Morgon, like other villages, was already producing wine. Then, with the development of river trade on the Saône from the Renaissance, Morgon wines were exported more widely, particularly to Lyon, a major economic and gastronomic center. Their reputation continued to grow over the centuries, especially in the 18th century, when merchants and traders made Beaujolais a reference in the wine trade. Finally, in 1936, Morgon was officially recognized as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) by the Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité (INAO).This status enshrines centuries of expertise and confirms the importance of this terroir in the French wine landscape.
Today, the AOC Morgon covers approximately 1,100 hectares, making it one of the largest appellations among the 10 crus of Beaujolais. Its vineyard is exclusively located in the commune of Villié-Morgon, in the Rhône department.
Map of Beaujolais wines with Morgon at the heart of the crus
Soils and climate of the Morgon appellation
The more than a thousand hectares of the Morgon appellation offer a remarkable diversity of soils.
Within the AOC, the majority of the land consists of decomposed granite, also known as “ rotten rock ”. This is the emblematic terroir of Morgon, particularly on the Côte du Py. These soils are rich in minerals and produce powerful, structured wines with a significant aging potential.
The appellation also features decomposed schist, clay-siliceous soils, as well as some sandy terroirs. These latter soils predominantly produce round and indulgent wines with a smooth texture, often appreciated for their accessibility.
Additionally, Morgon benefits from a semi-continental climate with Mediterranean influences.Summers are thus hot and sunny, promoting optimal grape ripening and good sugar concentration, while winters are cold.
Finally, the rainfall is rather well distributed throughout the year, although the ripening months (August and September) are often dry, thus reducing the risk of diseases and favoring harvests with good sanitary conditions.
The soils of the AOC Morgon are mainly composed of decomposed granite
The wines of the AOC Morgon
When we talk about Morgon, we refer to elegant, complex red wines with character.
Exclusively made from the Gamay grape variety, the wines of the appellation are indeed distinguished by their generosity and authenticity. During tasting, expect gourmet notes of stone fruits (cherry, prune), enhanced by a hint of kirsch and delicately spiced nuances (notably pepper).
The structure of a classic Morgon is balanced, both round and finely tannic, making the whole very charming from the first sip. Thanks to all these assets, Morgon wines often offer great aging potential. As they age, the vintages usually gain in depth and complexity, developing aromas of undergrowth and sometimes truffle.
In summary, Morgon produces great Beaujolais wines far from the clichés, which sometimes persist when it comes to wines from the region.
What to eat with a wine from the AOC Morgon?
Thanks to their complexity and character, Morgon wines pair well with a wide variety of dishes.
Start, for example, with a convivial aperitif and imagine a cured ham from the Ardennes, melting in the mouth, enhanced by the fruity freshness of our wine. Duck pâtés, terrines, sausages, and other charcuterie will also pair very well with the energy of a Morgon with fruit and roundness... all in pleasure.
For main courses, white meats and red meats are often successful with a Morgon. Whether it's a roast chicken, a stuffed turkey, a beef fillet, or even a duck breast, the aromatic power and silky tannins of our wine will make these dishes divine pairings !
Beef bourguignon, roast pork or even certain aged cheeses like Comté, Cantal, or Beaufort will also balance very well with the measured power of a Morgon.
Finally, some vegetarian dishes like a mushroom risotto or (veggie) lasagna will also be very good matches.
To fully enjoy the fruity aromas and the strength of your Morgon, serve it slightly chilled, around 14-16°C !
Stuffed turkey and Morgon: a delicious and refined pairing
The best wines of the AOC Morgon
If you are looking for generous, complex, and expressive Morgons, La Cave Éclairée invites you to take a closer look at Vignobles Bodillard !
Managing 14 hectares of vineyards spread across AOC Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, Morgon, and Saint-Véran, this passionate family indeed offers high-level cuvées with an excellent quality-price ratio.
Under the direction of Renaud Bodillard, each wine here receives special attention. The goal is to respect the terroir and bring out the full natural richness of the Gamay grape variety. The domain's range is flawless, and all their wines, notably the Morgon Marie-Louise or L'Auguste X, are truly great deals!
We are at the end of our journey ! As you have understood, Morgon is an exceptional wine that captivates with its balance, aromatic richness, and great aging potential.So, whether it's for a special occasion or a moment of conviviality, succumb to its charms ! If you wish to continue exploring the world of Morgon and Beaujolais, feel free to visit our website La Cave Éclairée. You will find wines that will meet all your expectations… See you soon!
