Jean Foillard

Jean Foillard is a legendary figure in the Beaujolais region, particularly in the Morgon appellation, one of the ten crus of Beaujolais. He is part of the "Gang of Four," a group of vignerons who were instrumental in revitalizing traditional winemaking practices in Beaujolais, challenging the industrial methods that had become prevalent. Foillard’s wines have garnered international acclaim, positioning him as one of the most respected producers in the natural wine movement.

Foillard is known for his commitment to natural winemaking, avoiding the use of chemicals in the vineyard and employing traditional techniques such as whole-cluster fermentation and aging in old oak barrels. His wines, primarily made from old-vine Gamay, are renowned for their depth, purity, and silky texture. Foillard’s approach allows the unique terroir of Morgon to be fully expressed, producing wines that are both elegant and robust, with a remarkable ability to age.

Morgon is one of the most celebrated crus in Beaujolais, known for its granite-rich soils, which give the wines their characteristic minerality and structure. Foillard’s vineyards are situated on some of the best plots in Morgon, including the famed Côte du Py, a volcanic hill that produces wines with exceptional concentration and complexity. The microclimate, influenced by the nearby Massif Central, contributes to the balance of acidity and ripeness in the grapes, making Foillard’s wines a true expression of this unique terroir.