Jean Foillard, Gamay, Beaujolais-Villages, France 2020

This Beaujolais-Villages consists of a blend of several granite terroirs — Gamay’s favorite kind of dirt — on the outskirts of the cru villages, mostly high in the hills where Gamay once failed to ripen consistently. With today’s climate, ripening is no longer a concern, even in these cooler sites.

Consider Foillard’s Villages a lighter, brighter, higher-toned little sister to the domaine’s benchmark Morgons. Juicy and floral, it feels just right any old time of day, on its own or with food. For maximum pleasure, serve it cool, even cold, on a hot day.