• WINERY Henry Fessy
  • GRAPE Gamay
  • YEAR 2008
  • COUNTRY France
  • REGION Beaujolais

Although made from the same grape as Beaujolais Nouveau—Gamay—this cru Beaujolais offers a bigger structure for more complexity.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Cru Beaujolais is one of the most underrated red wines on the planet, overlooked in the hype that surrounds the release of light, fruity Beaujolais Nouveau each year. A part of Burgundy, Beaujolais has a different climate (warm) and a different soil (granite) than the rest of the region. The area’s finest wines come from 10 villages designated as cru, one of which is Morgon. Grapes for this offering from Henry Fessy, a centuryold domaine in Brouilly, come from a 50-year-old hillside vineyard just outside the village of Morgon.

SMELL IT

Pure blueberry and strawberry aromas with a fresh earth note.
TASTE IT

Silky tannins support a dark core of black cherry fruit.
SERVE IT

Chill lightly before serving; will age for three to six years.
PAIR IT

Ridiculously versatile—perfect for a buffet or holiday meal. Able to stand up to beef or lamb, but won’t overwhelm lighter dishes, even meaty fish.

Smoky Shrimp-and-Chorizo Soup