Domaine Chignard 2024 Fleurie "Les Moriers," Beaujolais

A name derived from the mulberry trees that used to grow on this slope, “Les Moriers” hints back to the time when Gamay vines were stripped and replaced with trees to breed silkworms for the silk industry of Lyon. The silk industry faded, the vines returned to their rightful place, and the parcel has regained its standing as the finest in Fleurie. The late great Beaujolais negociant of yore, André Trenel (whom Kermit imported back in the ’80s), once described Les Moriers as having the classic Fleurie dominance of violet aromas, with an extra touch of distinction. Chignard’s Les Moriers, coming from their old vines in the heart of this parcel, has distinction a-plenty, with a great mouthful of Gamay fruit to boot.—Chris Santini, Kermit Lynch