Domaine Louis Claude Desvignes : Château Gaillard 2024

The excellence of a great Beaujolais terroir

The estate

Officially founded in 1712, Domaine Louis Claude Desvignes is a true institution located in Villié-Morgon, at the heart of Beaujolais. Drawing on a family heritage spanning eight generations, the 14.5-hectare vineyard is today brilliantly overseen by Claude-Emmanuelle and Louis-Benoît Desvignes. Faithful to the values of terroir respect and independence instilled by their father, they carry on an exacting savoir-faire. Certified organic since 2023, the estate stands out for producing authentic wines with great ageing potential, earning it a prestigious reputation both in France and internationally.

The vineyard

Coming from a small 1.03-hectare plot located in the north-east of the Morgon appellation, this cuvée hails from the eponymous lieu-dit, on the edge of Fleurie. Facing due south, the eighty-year-old vines thrive on granitic, sandy soils, yielding naturally low yields that favour optimal berry concentration.

Winemaking and ageing

The hand-harvested grapes undergo rigorous sorting. The Morgon "Château Gaillard" 2024 is vinified in closed concrete tanks for around ten days, using semi-carbonic maceration with a very small proportion of destemmed grapes. Ageing then continues for seven months in 30-hectolitre concrete eggs, with no oak contact whatsoever, in order to preserve the brightness of the fruit. A light, non-sterile filtration precedes bottling.

Grape variety

Gamay (100%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Morgon "Château Gaillard" 2024 from Domaine Louis Claude Desvignes

Tasting notes

Colour
With beautiful depth, this red wine reveals an intense, particularly brilliant garnet hue.

Nose
The bouquet opens with great expressiveness, blending gourmand aromas of wild strawberry and crushed red berries with delicate floral notes of violet. On aeration, hints of blue fruit, wild blackberry and kirsch emerge, underscored by a subtle mineral touch.

Palate
Combining roundness with elegance, the palate offers a fruity, richly textured frame. The structure rests on supple, velvety tannins, leading to a lingering, harmonious finish.

Serving and cellaring

To fully enjoy the Morgon "Château Gaillard" 2024, serving it between 15 and 16°C is ideal, taking care to open the bottle or decant it about an hour before tasting. This wine can be enjoyed now, but it will evolve favourably in the cellar and can be drunk until around 2035.

Food and wine pairing

This cuvée pairs wonderfully with regional dishes such as pig's trotters, but is equally well suited to white meats in creamy sauce, moussaka, or delicate roast quail.