Wines Morgon Château Raousset - Douby - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Raousset's Morgon AOC “Cuvée Douby” 2022 exemplifies the depth and charm of one of the Beaujolais’ most celebrated crus. This single-varietal red is produced from 100% Gamay, a grape renowned for its vibrant fruit and supple texture. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm, generous growing season, which accentuated the grape’s natural ripeness while retaining freshness. The “Douby” climat, where the vines are rooted, is recognised for producing wines with velvety tannins and generous, pure fruit. Vinification typically involves semi-carbonic maceration, a hallmark in this region, which lifts the aromatics and brings forth an expressive bouquet of red berries, floral notes, and a subtle, earthy undertone. Expect this Morgon to show inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, violet, and hints of spice.

Morgon is one of the ten crus of Beaujolais, and arguably one of the most iconic. The region is set amidst rolling hills north of Lyon and is blessed with a temperate continental climate, providing enough warmth for ripening while cooler nights help retain acidity. The soils, rich in decomposed granite, impart a certain mineral drive and structure to the wines, distinguishing Morgon from other Beaujolais crus. The name “Morgon” has long been synonymous with robust, age-worthy Gamays, and the Douby sector is noted for wines of charming fruit and silky elegance. Beaujolais itself boasts a vibrant viticultural history, with wine production dating back to Roman times, and a reputation for convivial, food-friendly reds.

In terms of food pairings, this Morgon is remarkably versatile. Its lively acidity and soft tannins make it a wonderful match for traditional Lyonnaise cuisine such as sausage in brioche, coq au vin, or a hearty poulet à la crème. It also pairs beautifully with roast pork, charcuterie, or earthy dishes like lentil salad with crispy lardons. More adventurous pairings could include grilled duck breast or lightly spiced vegetarian cassoulet, as the wine’s fruit and freshness complement both meats and umami-rich vegetables.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine for half an hour to let its aromatics open up, then serve it slightly chilled at 14-16°C. This will enhance its freshness and bring out the distinctive fruit character of Gamay. The 2022 “Cuvée Douby” is delightful now but will also evolve gracefully over the next three to five years.