Morgon AOCGamayEUR 15-20 retail
Damien Coquelet, stepson of Jean Foillard, is a young Morgon producer working natural-wine methods in the tradition of the Gang of Four. His Morgon draws from granite soils across the appellation and is vinified without sulphur in whole-cluster semi-carbonic style, resulting in a fresh, crunchy, vivid Gamay that punches above its price.
Tip: Coquelet also makes a Chiroubles that offers the floral, lighter-bodied side of natural Beaujolais at a similar price; both are worth seeking out in Paris natural-wine bars before a Beaujolais trip.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayEUR 18-26 retail
Chateau des Jacques in Romanéche-Thorins, owned by Louis Jadot, farms 28 hectares on the Moulin-a-Vent appellation's granite and manganese soils.
Tip: The Chateau des Jacques also produces named-clos bottlings from Grand Cras, La Roche, and Clos du Grand Carquelin across the appellation; the entry wine is the gateway to this hierarchy.
Morgon AOCGamayEUR 18-25 retail
The entry Morgon from Domaine Lapierre, vinified without sulphur dioxide in the tradition established by Marcel Lapierre and continued by sons Mathieu and Camille.
Tip: The non-sulphite cuvee needs cool storage and should be drunk within two or three years of vintage; if you see the sulphite-free version, note the faint label distinction and keep it in the fridge after opening.
Morgon AOCGamayEUR 20-28 retail
Jean Foillard's Cote du Py Morgon comes from the decomposed volcanic schist of the Py hill, the appellation's named lieu-dit. Whole-cluster carbonic maceration produces a wine with mineral density and dark-fruit depth unusual for the price. A clear Cru terroir expression available under thirty euros.
Tip: Cote du Py Morgon benefits from an hour of air after opening; it can also age gracefully for five or more years in a cool cellar, bridging the gap between Beaujolais and minor red Burgundy.
Beaujolais AOCGamayEUR 12-18 retail
Jean-Paul Brun sources old Gobelet-trained Gamay vines from the Pierres Dorees area of southern Beaujolais for this unchaptalized, unfined, unfiltered cuvee.
Tip: L'Ancien cools well in the fridge for summer drinking; it also improves with a year or two in bottle, a rarity for basic-AOC Beaujolais.
Fleurie AOCGamayEUR 16-22 retail
Michel and Cécile Chignard's Les Moriers is grown on the sand-granite soils of Fleurie and captures the appellation's signature floral, silky-textured Gamay at an accessible price.
Tip: Chignard Fleurie is fragrant and approachable within a year or two of vintage; it pairs broadly across charcuterie, poultry, and lighter red-meat dishes.