A Tour of Wine Grapes: Gamay

Gamay 🍷 Image Courtesy of Doris Schneider, Wikimedia Commons Gamay ( gam-may ), commonly referred to as Gamay Beaujolais, is almost entirely grown in France and Beaujolais (in the Loire Valley) is its home. Gamay is a natural cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc (a very obscure grape). But, a direct relationship with Pinot Noir! Gamay has a unique past. In 1395, Duke Philippe the Bold of Burgundy actually banished the grape, calling it "vile and disloyal". He preferred the more "elegant" Pinot Noir and feared Gamay’s high productivity would dilute the region's reputation. This ban forced the grape from Burgundy to move south to Beaujolais, where it has flourished. Gamay wines are light in body and low in tannin, alcohol and sweetness. They’re medium in acidity. Aromas associated with Gamay include strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with floral notes. Wines made from the Gamay grape are made using Carbonic Maceration which is a process where the grapes are fermented as whole gra

by Marc Kirkpatrick · source ↗