Jean-Paul et Charly Thévenet 'Vieilles Vignes' Morgon, Beaujolais, France 2024

Domaine Jean‑Paul et Charly Thévenet is one of the seminal estates of northern Beaujolais — founded by Jean‑Paul Thévenet (one of the renowned “Gang of Four” who revived the region’s Gamay potential) and now stewarded alongside his son Charly Thévenet. The domaine works with venerable old-vine Gamay on the granitic soils of the Morgon cru, farming organically and with minimal intervention in the cellar to let terroir and vine-age shine through.

• WINEMAKER: Jean-Paul Thévenet & Charly Thévenet 

• FARMING: Certified organic (old-vine Gamay, no chemical fertilizers/herbicides) and biodynamic-influenced practices.

• VARIETY: 100% Gamay

• TERROIR: From the Morgon appellation in Beaujolais, grown on ancient bush-vines (vieilles vignes) often 70-80 years old or more, planted on decomposed pink granite and schist soils that give the wine both depth and mineral lift. 

• VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster (entire bunch) semi-carbonic maceration / infusion-style vinification with native yeasts; no fining or filtration; minimal sulphur at bottling.

• AGING: Matured for approximately 8-10 months in neutral or used Burgundian barriques (228 L) to soften tannins and retain fruit purity; vines in parcels such as Douby, Le Clachet, Les Bresses exported into this cuvée.

• TASTING NOTES: The 2024 bottling shows a fresh, crystalline ruby hue. Aromas of wild red cherry, raspberry, violet petals and a whisper of white pepper lead into a palate that is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with finely grained tannins, bright acidity and a rocky mineral streak through the finish. The old-vine depth gives stuffing, while the granite lends tension and structure.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: A versatile gamay-based red — excellent with roasted duck breast, porcini-mushroom risotto, charcuterie and soft-ripened cheeses, or simply grilled pork chops. Serve at ca. 14–16 °C to bring out its freshness and subtle complexity.