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Red dry
Created only in the best vintages, this cuvée honors Marcel Lapierre, the visionary who redefined Morgon and inspired generations of natural winemakers. It comes from the estate’s oldest ‘Gamay’ vines, many over 70 years old, rooted in the granite soils of the famed Côte du Py. These deep roots and naturally low yields give the wine a rare depth and concentration.
In the glass, Cuvée Marcel reveals a vibrant ruby color and a perfumed bouquet of wild cherry, raspberry, and black plum, intertwined with floral notes of violet and rose. Subtle layers of spice, sweet herbs, and the stony imprint of granite add further complexity.
On the palate, the wine is silky yet structured: juicy red and dark fruit glide over a frame of fine tannins and lively acidity. It is richer and more age-worthy than the estate’s classic Morgon, yet still embodies the Lapierre hallmark of purity and finesse. The finish is long, mineral, and elegant, carrying both energy and depth.
Made with whole-cluster, semi-carbonic fermentation using native yeasts, then aged in old Burgundy barrels for close to a year, the wine is bottled without fining or filtration. Two versions exist: one with a minimal touch of sulfites.
Serve at 14–15 °C after a short decant. Perfect with roast duck and cherries, mushroom risotto, or aged Comté.
Marcel Lapierre is one of the key names not only in the Morgon appellation but in the entire Beaujolais region. After taking over the winery from his father, Marcel soon began following the teachings of the famous winemaker and chemist Jules Chauvet, who, as early as the mid-20th century, promoted natural winemaking, avoiding pesticides and herbicides, and encouraged working with healthy grapes and minimal intervention in the cellar.
Marcel’s philosophy quickly attracted like-minded colleagues – together with three other similarly minded winemakers, he became a member of the famous (though unofficial) club “The Gang of Four”. This movement revived the reputation of Beaujolais, which had long been associated with cheap, hastily made Beaujolais Nouveau, and restored its place among France’s high-quality wines.
After Marcel’s sudden passing in 2010, the winery was taken over by his children, Camille and Mathieu, who continue to uphold their father’s vision. The estate works according to biodynamic and organic principles, and in the cellar, a philosophy of minimal intervention is strictly followed – fermentation occurs naturally, without added yeasts, and sulfite use is kept to an absolute minimum.
Wine Style
Marcel Lapierre wines are renowned for their purity, natural expression, and the distinctive character of the ‘Gamay’ grape. These are warm, fruit-driven, yet refined wines that perfectly reflect the Morgon terroir.
Prestigious Vineyards
The estate works with old ‘Gamay’ vines in the Morgon appellation, some over 60 years old.
Aging and Drinking Window
The wines ferment naturally using carbonic maceration and indigenous yeasts. They are aged in large, used oak casks to preserve the fresh fruit character.
Marcel Lapierre wines are delightful to drink young for their vibrant fruit, but they also have the potential to age gracefully for 5–10 years, gaining complexity and refined nuances over time.
