03/06/2026
This week, our Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW, recommends a fantastic Beaujolais with Château de Pizay Morgon 2023*. Backed by nearly a thousand years of estate history, Château de Pizay’s flagship red is a great example of the specialness of the Beaujolais Crus and their granite soils, which bring out the best in the Gamay variety.
“With temperatures cooling down a bit this week, I am delighted to drink some lighter, versatile red wines that can even be served lightly chilled! Château de Pizay Morgon 2023 is a deep red colour and has a bouquet of ripe plum, damson jam, black cherry, and red fruit aromas, accented by subtle hints of violet and hazelnut. On the palate, this medium-bodied red offers a supple, velvety texture and a wonderfully smooth, mellow attack. It beautifully balances a core of juicy, spicy fruit with the Gamay grape's natural, refreshing acidity, delivering an elegant and layered finish.
The estate has 80 hectares of vineyard with 50ha of these in one block surrounding the ancient Chateau. This wine is crafted from the estate’s flagship vineyards in the prestigious Morgon appellation, the largest of Beaujolais’ ten crus. The vines boast an impressive average age of 55 years and are grown on sun-warmed granite soils and tended with eco-conscious care. These old vines produce low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. Winemaker Romain Schneider oversees an entirely hand-harvested by a team of 40 pickers, sorted, and given a gentle vinification with soft punch-downs to extract deep colour while maintaining pristine freshness.
I would also recommend anyone driving down to the South of France this summer to make a stop en route. Chateau de Pizay is one of the oldest feudal residences in the Beaujolais region. Today’s Chateau blends medieval military architecture and Renaissance design, and the formal gardens were designed by the landscape architect behind the Palace of Versailles. Plus, there is an on-site wine shop, tasting centre and hotel spa.”
Try Château de Pizay Morgon today for just £15 when you Mix Any Six or More in store and online: www.majestic.co.uk/wines/morgon-07172
