ELLEN’S WINE WORLD / FRENCH WINES – Red wine, French, Beaujolais region. Domaine Piron AOC Morgon 2011

Beaujolais is having a comback thanks to some fine producers, and Domaine Piron is one of them. Beaujolais is two hours from Geneva; if you feel like celebrating the Beaujolais Nouveau on its home territory this weekend, you’ll have company. The official uncorking date for the new beaujolais wines is Thursday 21 November, with Dominique Piron’s winery holding an open house 23-24 November.

I tasted the 2012 at a tasting session in Geneva and was reminded how good a beaujolais can be. Morgon is my personal favourite of the 10 beaujolas crus, fruity but more masculine, often with more structure. (My 2009 feature article on a visit to Domaine Piron and the Beaujolais region.)

Notes: Robe, deep bright red with hints of purple,. Nose, fruity but also flinty with smoky notes. In mouth, fine tannins and good mouth-feel. Parker gives it a 90/100 and says it is still young. It’s balanced, with good structure, drinkable now but I would be happy opening it in 2-3 years.

Grape variety: Gamay, the only grape traditionally allowed in the Beaujolais region.

Where I enjoyed this: Tasted 14 November in Geneva at a tasting session that included several French producers, organized by Elie Gazzar importers in Ecublens-Lausanne.

Sample price: CHF14.55/bottle, carton of 12, Gazzar.ch

You can find my wine notes by searching for “wine picks” on this site.

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