A new rising star shines on Morgon, one of the finest Beaujolais Crus. Inspired by the natural wine movement in the region, the winemaker Mee Godard produces sensuous, complex and deep wines, the result of meticulous labour in the vines as much as in the cellar. Let’s take a closer look at her searing success.
An international background
Who would ever have thought that a girl from Asia would grow up to be a winemaker in Beaujolais? Originally from South Korea and adopted, Mee Godard spent her childhood near Lyon where she studied biology and biochemistry. She finished her studies with three years in Food and Science Technology in Oregon, USA. This is the promised land for Pinot Noir lovers who flock there, enthralled by the temperate climate of the Pacific Ocean breeze. André Ostertag and the Bouchard estate are just a few examples.
Insatiable, Mee Godard had no desire to stop there. Returning to France, she added to her track record with oenology training that she undertook in Montpellier in 2003. Establishing herself in wine, Mee Godard took some time to find her feet, starting off as a sales representative in Burgundy. But deep down, a desire gnawed away at her, a desire to produce deep, complex and elegant wines. So she naturally turned her gaze to Beaujolais, a region with landscapes she greatly appreciated for their beauty.
Propelled by her passion and her surroundings, she bought some old vines from a winemaker who was about to retire. The plants were ideally situated in Morgon, one of the most prestigious crus out of ten in the region. Grand Cras, Corcelette, Côte du Py. Could she have dreamt of a better start? Maybe not, but that didn’t stop her from thinking bigger and expanding to Moulin-à-Vent (since 2016), another appellation reputed for its density and the aging potential of its Gamay.
Known for the care given to every step
With 8.3 hectares, her estate is still quite understated. However, her renown is growing at a rapid pace. The work she carries out in the winery is particularly careful. There are very few sulphites added, and her red wines are made using traditional Burgundian methods. The vinification process begins with harvesting by hand in little cases that prevent the grapes from being crushed. Mee Godard then keeps the whole harvest in order to offer freshness and elegance to her wine. Pre-fermentation maceration is practised in order to extract maximum colour and flavour before fermentation. It goes without saying that the natural wine movement of Jean-Paul Thévenet, Jean Foillard and Marcel Lapierre greatly inspired her. So she too, having received organic certification (in 2023), is following her path in total respect of the environment with an entirely open mind.
In 2020, the winemaker acquired a parcel of Chardonnay, allowing her to produce white Beaujolais as well. One thing is certain, the Beaujolais renaissance is embodied marvellously in the hands of this diligent winemaker who has made a real passion project of her career. Is it possible to resist these wines? They are deep, sensuous, dense and lively, with a freshness amplified by carefully mastered acidity.
Mee Godard’s wines
Morgon Corcelette (red): This Morgon offers a supple wine full of intensity which can be opened after a few years’ ageing.
Morgon Grands Cras (red): Mee Godard crafts a beautiful, deep Morgon bursting with fruits.
Moulin à Vent Au Michelon (red): This Gamay comes from an appellation which creates wines for ageing and showcases Mee Godard’s full talent.
Morgon Côte du Py (red): This wine reveals intenses aromas of sweet spices and black fruits.
Morgon Passerelle 577 (red): A massive iDealwine favourite. The wines is rich and full of finesse.
Beaujolais Villages (red): This Beaujolais will blow you away with its vinification in concrete tanks, which imparts beautiful freshness and fruit flavours.
Beaujolais (white): A very interesting white which shows the whole range of Mee Godard’s skills.
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