Laura Lardy – Morgon Côte du Py 2022
Laura Lardy’s Morgon Côte du Py is a stunning expression of Gamay from the renowned Côte du Py plot within the Morgon cru.
It marries the vibrant character of the wine with an undercurrent of refined elegance.
In the glass, this wine captivates with a luminous, deep purple hue edged with ruby-garnet rim.
The bouquet is a delightful interplay of fresh red fruit and subtle earthy nuances. On the nose, ripe cherries and raspberries mingle with delicate notes of wild strawberries, accented by a whisper of spice, cracked pepper and a hint of clove.
On the palate, an initial burst of red fruit, lively cherry and red currant, quickly unfolds into a more nuanced profile, adding prunes with a whiff of kirsch while preserving floral – roses and violets string.
A balanced acidity brightens the wine lending freshness and a vibrant structure that makes it remarkably food friendly.
The tannins are well integrated, providing a subtle framework that supports the wine without overwhelming its delicate fruit and spice notes.
There is an attractive, velvety texture that persists, leaving a long and memorable finish with echoes of earthy forest floor and a trace of minerality.
This is a wine crafted for both immediate enjoyment and further evolution with age. While it delights the senses in its youth with exuberant fruit and a balanced structure, it also possesses an evident backbone that suggests potential for graceful development. With a few years of cellaring, one might expect additional layers of complexity, which would only enhance its charm.
The grapes, sourced from 60-year-old vines planted on blue schist, benefit from the Beaujolais unique terroir and organic farming practices.
Aged for six months in old oak barrels, this wine is mesmerizing from the first sniff to the last drop in the bottle.
FOOD PAIRING
Starters:
- Duck Pâté with Black Cherry Compote: The rich, savory pâté paired with the sweet and tart black cherry compote will highlight the wine’s dark berry flavors.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs: The sweetness of the figs and the saltiness of the prosciutto will enhance the wine’s dark fruit and spice notes.
Main Courses:
- Roast Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic: The robust flavors of roast lamb will pair beautifully with the wine’s black plum and spice elements.
- Grilled Venison with Blackberry Sauce: The gamey flavor of venison combined with a rich blackberry sauce will resonate with the wine’s dark fruit and spice profile.
- Beef Bourguignon: A classic French dish where beef is slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and carrots, highlighting the wine’s depth and mineral undertones.
Cheeses:
- Époisses de Bourgogne: A strong, creamy cheese that will match the wine’s intensity and complexity.
- Aged Gouda: Its nutty and slightly sweet flavors will bring out the wine’s spicy and fruity notes.
Desserts:
- Blackberry Tart: A tart filled with fresh blackberries to mirror the wine’s dark fruit notes.
Spiced Plum Cake: The warm spices and juicy plums in the cake will complement the wine’s flavor profile.
Starters:
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Filled with a mixture of herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs, these mushrooms will provide a savory balance to the wine’s dark fruit flavors.
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese: The earthiness of roasted beets and the tangy goat cheese will highlight the wine’s black plum and spice notes.
Main Courses:
- Eggplant Parmesan: Layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese will complement the wine’s rich and fruity profile.
- Vegetarian Moussaka: A hearty dish made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and béchamel sauce, which will pair well with the wine’s depth and complexity.
- Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie: The earthy flavors of lentils and mushrooms will resonate with the wine’s nuanced undertones and spice elements.
Cheeses:
- Gruyère: The nutty and slightly sweet flavors of Gruyère will enhance the wine’s spicy and fruity notes.
- Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of aged cheddar will balance the wine’s dark fruit and mineral undertones.
Desserts:
- Blackberry Cobbler: A dessert with fresh blackberries that will mirror the wine’s dark fruit notes.
- Spiced Poached Pears: Pears poached with cinnamon and nutmeg will complement the wine’s warm spice elements.