2025 Marcel Lapierre - Vin de France Raisins Gaulois (750ml)

Marcel Lapierre took over his family's domaine in Villié-Morgon in 1973 and became a disciple of Beaujolais traditionalist Jules Chauvet. Alongside vignerons Jean Foillard, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton, he formed what importer Kermit Lynch dubbed the "Gang of Four," a group credited with reviving old-school, low-intervention Beaujolais winemaking. Marcel passed away in 2010; his children Mathieu and Camille now run the domaine, continuing its organic and biodynamic practices.

Raisins Gaulois, meaning "Gallic grapes," is made entirely from Gamay grown on the domaine's youngest vines, largely within the Morgon cru on decomposed granite soils near Villié-Morgon. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, then fermented for four to six days through traditional semi-carbonic maceration with native yeasts and no added sulfur. Because yields exceed Morgon's appellation limits, the wine is bottled as Vin de France, sealed under screw cap and left unfiltered.

This is a pale, light-bodied red with bright red cherry, cranberry, and floral aromatics, plus a touch of white pepper on the finish. The palate is juicy and crunchy, low in tannin and built for easy drinking, best served with a slight chill. It suits casual gatherings and pairs nicely with grilled sausages, cured meats, or a simple picnic spread.