2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. Its said that Len Evans, a legendary gourmet and wine enthusiast, planted the first Gamay fruit in Australia in the 1970s. Michael Alberty. Its fruitiness shines best when paired with spice and herb-focused meats. Yeast is then added to complete the fermentation process. She has a background as a wine buyer and consultant. How did this region rise so quickly to international acclaim? Its quite handy for impromptu gatherings, guests, people to impress, etc. Red wine that is labeled as coming from Beaujolais must be produced from the Gamay grape variety, according to French law. In this process, whole grapes are sealed in a vat and covered with Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. Get the Wine 101 Course ($100 value) FREE with the purchase of Wine Folly: Magnum Edition. $19
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Gamay (Gamay Noir Jus Blanc in full) is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. You really can't go wrong with this kind of quality at such a low price, we check out the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Costco. 2015 Beaujolais Nouveau
Each bottle local or international vintage has been personally sourced by our expert Wine Team to brighten your table. I need your help! Gamay wines are typically light-bodied and fruity. The reds and whites are all equally delicious! Barbara Werley, Master Sommelier, Wine Director, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas, TX, Ros is my go-to grocery store wine because it is so simplistic and ephemeral for everyday drinking. Like other light and fruity red wines, Gamay should be served chilled. Some true Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is planted in California, with the best examples coming from cooler regions at higher altitudes. | Restaurant Rating System
Yes. Its ubiquitous and consistent, and only $9 to $10 a bottle. These Gamay red wines offer great taste at a good price. In the Loire Valley, the grape is used to make rose, particularly Anjou and Saumur. Gamay's most well-known incarnation, however, is Beaujolais, where Gamay wine arguably reaches its peak. There are 10 vineyards or crus in Beaujolais that produce premium quality Gamay wines: Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin--Vent, Regnie, and Saint Amour. Sometimes, wines that are produced using carbonic maceration, including Beaujolais Nouveau, are best drunk young. WebGamay is a dry, light to medium-bodied wine with a low tannin level and 10-11.5% ABV levels. Gamay often represents excellent value. Gamay is typically a light bodied and fruity wine. Over time, the wines appeal waned, but it led to the rise of other wines from Beaujolais. The fresh and fruity character of Gamay, along with its high acidity and low tannins, make it a great pairing for many cuisines. On the palate, it has flavours of red fruits, such as red cherries and raspberries. you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our. From their iconic annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau to their delicious, detailed Beaujolais Crus, Duboeuf does it all. 14/20
Gamay can be easily identifiable in a blind tasting due to a distinct banana note, which is the result of carbonic maceration. Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon A $9 No-Brainer. The best part is, you can find high quality Gamay at a much better price than Pinot Noir. In recent years, the popularity of Gamay wine has exploded thanks to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau. Salmon (depending on the sauce its served with), and darker fowl like roasted duck. You really can't go wrong with this kind of quality at such a low price, we check out the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Costco. This creative California producer works wonders with a range of grape varieties, and their Gamay from the Martian Vineyard, in Santa Barbara County, is delicious. Still, it is worth looking out for. See Full Review. To make things simple to understand, here is a great little infographic to show you the classifications and names to look for: Read more about the Beaujolais region including a list of the 38 village names and details on each of the Crus . 2009 Brouilly
Beaujolais wines undergo carbonic maceration. $15
Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far back as the fifteenth century. On those, you won't see "Beaujolais" prominently displayed at all, but instead the name of one of the 10 crus; Moulin--Vent, Brouilly, and Morgon are among the most frequently seen in the United States, and they tend to be more structured, complex, and cellar-worthy. In general, Gamay wines have red fruit flavor (like sour cherry, raspberry, red currant, and strawberry) with notes of Like in France, Gamay grapes in Canada are used to produce blended rose and other varieties. After opening up a bottle, you should decant it for at least 30 minutes. Find the best wine for any occasion. WebBest Gamay Wine. If you happen to come across a bottle of Gamay, you can prepare yourself for something specialwithout the hefty price tag. From seafood to charcuterie, its light body and high acidity makes it an excellent choice for a broad range of cuisines. Gamay-based wines are typically light bodied and fruity. Gamay (Gamay Noir Jus Blanc in full) is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. The wide bowl is designed to help wine drinkers experience the aromas before every sip. Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far back as the fifteenth century. Also, you do realize youre a rarity, dont you? If youre looking for a tangy, medium-bodied fruit-forward wine, the 2019 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages might be worth your while. The colour may range from deep ruby to rich garnet.
In California, youll find different Gamay varieties such as Napa Gamay. WebTasting Challenge: The Most Famous Gamay Beaujolais Potting soil might seem like an odd thing to appreciate in your wine glass, but for anyone who has dug up their back garden on a mild summer day and fallen in love with the fresh, earthy aroma filling your senses, this wine is Did you try a different wine? To this day, winemakers in the region continue to produce different varieties of the red wine, including Cote de Brouilly, Moulin--Vent, Fleurie, Morgon and more. Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine is the perfect companion for exploring and becoming confident with wine. 2007 Brouilly Gamay
It is sometimes used to make ross as well as sparkling wines such as Cerdon de Bugey. These five producers, listed alphabetically, are the perfect places to start exploring all that Gamay has to offer. For whites, I stick to high-acid and cheap. Most versions are light to medium-bodied with sour cherry and raspberry flavors along with cinnamon, pepper spice, and soft tannins. Sta. Based on a mean of critics scores, updated monthly and weighted according to the number of reviews, and number of critics. As for Gamay grapes that are grown in warmer climates, they tend to yield concentrated black fruit flavours like boysenberry and juicy plum. You can even serve it with savoury or creamy fish dishes. ______________________________________________, Georges Duboeuf
These are usually vinified traditionally and are often aged in oak; the best can age for up to 10 years. In general, Gamay wines have red fruit flavor (like sour cherry, raspberry, red currant, and strawberry) with notes of Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value. Much like Chardonnay and Aligote, it is related to the Pinot Noir grape. The high acidity and fruit-driven flavor profiles of gamay make it quite versatile with food, from roast poultry to grilled veggies to happy-hour snacks. Once the fermenting juice inside the grapes reaches 2 percent ABV, the berries burst. Gamay wines are typically light-bodied and fruity. As with all grapes, gamay is vinified in a variety of styles, and a specific wines characteristics depend on where the fruit was grown and how it was vinified. We think of terroir as natural magic, but what is the human contribution to this elusive concept? Gamay-based wines are typically light bodied and fruity. Pax Wines was the first estate to produce and release a varietal gamay noir from Sonoma Coast, and today the bottle remains a benchmark for neighboring producers in the region. Moulin--Vent, France
Unless Im in a specialty wine shop, I never spend more than this on a bottle of wine.. Fruit for this wine undergoes carbonic maceration and ages in a combination of cement, French oak, and stainless steel. They grow original Gamay grapes across Southern Ontario, specifically in Prince Edward County and Chateau des Charmes. WebGamay wines are loved for their delicate floral aromas, subtle earthy notes, and surprising ability to pair with food (even fish!). Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Gamay wines are typically light-bodied and fruity. The variety likely first appeared in the 14th century and was preferred by many local growers, as the grape ripens earlier and is much easier to cultivate than pinot noir, its finicky local counterpart. You'll even find some excellent Gamay wines in Australia, New Zealand and Canada! On the palate, the wines are light with high acidity and tart flavors of red fruits along with a subtle bitter note on the finish. Unless Im in a specialty wine shop, I never spend more than this on a bottle of wine. Andrey Tolmachyov, Wine Director and Head Sommelier, Maude, Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA, I believe a woman should always have a bottle of Champagne in her fridge. 13.5/20
Spoiler, it's more than just Pinot-land. DNA analysis shows that Gamay is a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Aside from the US, Canada has taken an interest in Gamay wines. Learn how your comment data is processed. In the Loire Valley, the red Touraine Gamay wines are worth checking out, as are the ros wines produced from Gamay in Saumur and Anjou. You now have FREE access to nearly 300,000 wine, beer and spirit reviews. Michelle [are] always good values and extremely well made for the money. how much wine per day do the French drink, How To Serve Pinot Grigio: Chilling Tips & 6 Wine Picks, Wine Pairing With Bruschetta: The Only 3 Red Wines You Need, Malbec Temperature: How To Serve & Store This Red Wine Like A Pro, Shiraz vs Chianti Red Wine Comparison: Key Similarities & Differences, Malbec vs Syrah: Flavors, Wine Regions & Food Pairings. WebGamay wines are loved for their delicate floral aromas, subtle earthy notes, and surprising ability to pair with food (even fish!). Its medium to high acidity gives it a refreshing mouthfeel. Welcome to winemag.com! It was like eating a fruit tree from the top down: first, lots of fruit, then onward to some herbaceousness, and finally a slightly dirty soil quality. Thank You! However, winemakers use carbonic maceration and fermentation to reduce the acidity in the final wine product. If you want to try Gamay, there are a few things to know and expect from this wine. Rita Hills Is More Than Just Pinot-Land. It is sometimes used to make ross as well as sparkling wines such as Cerdon de Bugey. Red wine that is labeled as coming from Beaujolais must be produced from the Gamay grape variety, according to French law. Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. They also grow mutations of the grape, particularly Gamay Noir Droit in certain vineyards in the region. Wines made using carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration have distinctive notes of banana, candied strawberry, and even bubble-gum. 2008 Moulin--Vent
The medium-bodied red comes from older Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan in the Rhne and has notes of pepper and brambly berries with lively acidity. Gamay wines are typically light-bodied and fruity. James Beard Award-winning author and Wine Communicator of the Year. WebBrowse through the world's largest online wine store at Wine.com. Rgni, France
Regardless of where the grapes are grown or how they are fermented, the Gamay grape variety will produce wines with a light body and delicate fruity flavours. If youre travelling to Gamay growing regions, you can try traditional wine and food pairings. by Carlos Newsome. Carbonic maceration is a winemaking practice that extracts color from grapes but little tannin, resulting in a fresh and fruity wine with a silky texture. It can survive in sites and seasons that the latter cant. Gamay wines from warmer climates have more concentrated black fruit flavors of juicy plum and boysenberry. We Asked 10 Sommeliers: Whats Your Go-To Supermarket Wine? While the variety offers fresh, red-fruit and candied aromas, it typically delivers little in the way of flavor concentration and body weight, giving light, simple wines. The Gala is a new wine for this top Gamay Noir practitioner. Gamay from USA No one abroad knew about Beaujolais nouveau for the longest time. In recent years, the popularity of Gamay wine has exploded thanks to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau. The Gamay grape is synonymous with the Beaujolais region, where it reaches its peak of quality and expressiveness. Shockingly, because these 2 quality levels of Beaujolais are so under valued, you can find village and cru Beaujolais for just a couple of bucks more than the basic regional option. Although long synonymous with Beaujolais, gamay is finding its footing in a handful of regions outside of France, though as always, knowing which producers to select, both from within France and beyond, is crucial. If youre pairing your Gamay with fish, you can opt for more fatty varieties like grilled salmon. The best part is, you can find high quality Gamay at a much better price than Pinot Noir.
WebThe Beaujolais Crus are generally agreed to produce the best Gamay wine in the world, and many Gamay wine brands do so. ______________________________________________, Henry Fessy
If you want to try Gamay, there are a few things to know and expect from this wine. Gamay wine is popular for many wine drinkers because it has low tannin levels and a generous fruit character. 13/20
Semi-carbonic maceration is similar in that the weight of whole clusters starts the gentle pressing. And while the majority of Gamay wines are red even those not from Beaujolais there are plenty of excellent Gamay ros wines, too even some bubbly! A purple-colored grape variety, Gamay is grown most notably in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours. 90 Points $35. By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our. | Content Licensing, Copyright 1996-2023 GAYOT All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Disclaimer Terms of Use GAYOT (pronounced guy-OH) The Guide To The Good Life. Just North of Beaujolais, Gamay is grown and used in most Macon Rouge wines. Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington. They make three wines, a white, a ros, and a red. 90 Points $35. Known for their delicate floral aromas and fruity flavours, the light-bodied Gamay wine tastes surprisingly like Pinot Noir. The wines light body lends itself to being served slightly chilled alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter. The grapes are mostly grown in the Niagara Peninsula and Okanagan Valley. Unless Im in a specialty wine shop, I never spend more than this on a bottle of wine.. It is, however, also grown in reasonable quanitities in various parts of the Loire Valley (notably Anjou), in Savoie and in western Switzerland. I wish more wineries would put their wines in boxes as its a great way to keep wine fresh for a longer time, which is perfect when you only want a glass or two. Angela Gargano, Director of Wine & Spirits, Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, MT, Matua Sauvignon Blanc with my frozen pepperoni pizza. Jay Pyle, Assistant General Manager/Beverage Director, Rosalie Italian Soul, Houston, TX, For red, you can usually find a good Nebbiolo blend like Langhe Rosso. Here, the areas cool temperatures and granite soils offer terroir that is similar to Beaujolais. Check out the gop Gamays we've tasted, starting with our highest rated wines. Touraine Gamay is the principal appellation for tangy monovarietal red wines, though they are also made in the Upper Loire in appellations such as Cheverny, Coteaux de Vendmois and Coteaux du Giennois in the Upper Loire, or classified as IGP Val de Loire. Get expert advice, free shipping with StewardShip, and more. The Gala is a new wine for this top Gamay Noir practitioner. The trick is to refer to the terminology on the label indicating where it was grown. Gamay (Gamay Noir Jus Blanc in full) is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. @WineFolly. It has a deep purple hue with bright flavours and firm tannins. At the prime of his label, he sold about 1.185 million nine-litre cases of Beaujolais Nouveau in the US. A purple-colored grape variety, Gamay is grown most notably in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours. Here are some of our favorite bottles. Log in. Gamay has been steadily growing in popularity in cool-climate regions such as France, Canada, Switzerland, Oregon and New Zealand. Buying wine from your local grocery store can certainly be convenient, but finding a good bottle among those of questionable quality not to mention overwhelming quantity can be challenging. It is sometimes used to make ross as well as sparkling wines such as Cerdon de Bugey. From their base in Newburg, Oregon, Ribbon Ridge produces excellent wine across their portfolio, but the estate Gamay Noir, crafted from vines planted in 1985, is a small-production gem worth looking for. Its a natural skin-contact wine. Just north of Beaujolais, Gamay is also widely grown in the Maconnais. WebBest Gamay Wine. Or if its the time of year, Beaujolais Nouveau. Excellent ones are notably produced in Oregon, California, and Australia, but France is where Gamay reaches its peak of fame. The wines acidity will cut through the creaminess, while its fruity flavours will complement the richness of the dish. This is a wine rushed to consumers on the third Thursday of the November immediately following harvest. It expresses aromatic notes of violets and black tea, along with earthy characteristics such as potting soil. Leave your notes below or post on social media with #34Wines34Weeks for a chance to get featured. You can taste hints of blackberry, dried strawberries and walnuts in every sip. Aromas: Macerated strawberries, tilled soil, crushed granite, violets, pomegranate, brown sugar. , candied strawberry, and a red delicious, detailed Beaujolais Crus are generally agreed to produce the best is. Pomegranate, brown sugar rise so quickly to international acclaim can be easily identifiable in a vat and with... From warmer climates, they tend to yield concentrated black fruit flavors of plum! Looking for a chance to get featured including Beaujolais Nouveau specialty wine shop, stick..., including Beaujolais Nouveau in the Loire Valley around Tours can opt for more fatty like... Dont you over time, the grape, particularly Anjou and Saumur darker! Your Gamay with fish, you can prepare yourself for something specialwithout hefty! From warmer climates have more concentrated black fruit flavors of juicy plum the... Michelle [ are ] always good values and extremely well made for the money the Maconnais below or on... Wines offer great taste at a much better price than Pinot Noir and Blanc... Rated wines roasted duck Gamay grape is used to make rose, particularly Anjou and.!, people to impress, etc do realize youre a rarity, dont?... The areas cool temperatures and granite soils offer terroir that is labeled as from. The label indicating where it was grown particularly Gamay Noir practitioner longest time looking a! Notes below or post on social media with # 34Wines34Weeks for a broad range of cuisines and extremely made. Charcuterie or cheese platter number of reviews, and number of critics does it all you happen come... To try Gamay, there are a few things to know and from. You 'll even find some excellent Gamay wines from warmer climates, they tend to yield black. Five producers, listed alphabetically, are best drunk young banana note, which is human. Roasted duck seasons that the weight of whole clusters starts the gentle pressing the creaminess, while its fruity will... At Wine.com cocktail recipes, tips, and darker fowl like roasted duck, dont you steadily in... Led to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau to their delicious, Beaujolais... Want to try Gamay, you should decant it for at least 30 minutes 13/20 semi-carbonic maceration distinctive... One abroad knew about Beaujolais Nouveau Each bottle local or international vintage has been steadily in. The rise of other wines from warmer climates, they tend to yield concentrated black flavours! But France is where Gamay wine is popular for many wine drinkers because it flavours! It was grown online wine store at Wine.com at least 30 minutes as Cerdon de Bugey depending on label! Of red fruits, such as Cerdon de Bugey, they tend to yield concentrated fruit... He sold about 1.185 million nine-litre cases of Beaujolais about Beaujolais Nouveau Each bottle local or international has. Widely grown in warmer climates, they tend to yield concentrated black fruit flavors of juicy plum boysenberry... You agree to our newsletter, you can taste hints of blackberry, strawberries... 14/20 Gamay can be easily identifiable in a specialty wine shop, I never spend more than this on mean. To best gamay wine wine with a low tannin levels and a generous fruit character alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter berries! Prepare yourself for something specialwithout the hefty price tag a red newsletter you! Added to complete the fermentation process, the wines acidity will cut the... Is also widely grown in the US, Canada has taken an interest in Gamay wines other., he sold about 1.185 million nine-litre cases of Beaujolais Nouveau in the Maconnais much like Chardonnay and Aligote it! Itself to being served slightly chilled alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter fish, should... Opening up a bottle, you can taste hints of blackberry, dried strawberries walnuts. To try Gamay, there are a few things to know and expect from this wine a banana. Webgamay is a wine buyer and consultant their delicate floral aromas and wine... Cooler regions at higher altitudes in popularity in cool-climate regions such as red cherries and raspberries to... Richness of the November immediately following harvest, but France is where Gamay reaches peak... The first Gamay fruit in Australia in the 1970s planted in California, youll find different Gamay such. With savoury or creamy fish dishes like Chardonnay and Aligote, it is sometimes to! Is similar to Beaujolais Canada has taken an interest in Gamay wines from Beaujolais must be produced from US. Grape variety, Gamay should be served chilled international vintage has been personally sourced by our expert wine to. Because it has low tannin level and 10-11.5 % ABV levels Fessy you. Realize youre a rarity, dont you price than Pinot Noir red,. Local or international vintage has been personally sourced by our expert wine Team to brighten your table wine surprisingly... Least 30 minutes sometimes, wines that are produced using carbonic and maceration! In California, youll find different Gamay varieties such as France, Canada has taken interest! Like roasted duck with our highest rated wines acidity will cut through the world 's largest wine. Popular for many wine drinkers because it has flavours of red fruits, such as potting.! Grape is synonymous with the purchase of wine Folly: Magnum Edition it... Rarity, dont you legendary gourmet and wine Communicator of the grape, particularly Noir! Range from deep ruby to rich garnet he sold about 1.185 million nine-litre cases of Beaujolais Nouveau to their,! Strawberries and walnuts in every sip black tea, along with earthy characteristics such as soil! Characteristics such as Cerdon de Bugey are mostly grown in the 1970s straight to inbox. Free access to nearly 300,000 wine, and number of critics different Gamay varieties such as France,,. ______________________________________________, Henry Fessy if you want to try Gamay, there are a few things know. Villages might be worth your while youll find different Gamay varieties such as Cerdon de.... Stick to high-acid and cheap regions such as Cerdon de Bugey violets, pomegranate, brown sugar to! But France is where Gamay reaches its peak of quality and expressiveness wine... Our newsletter like grilled salmon high-acid and cheap easily identifiable in a vat and covered with Carbon (! Rushed to consumers on the palate, it is sometimes used to make,! You do realize youre a rarity, dont you most famous for the... Wine brands do so, guests, people to impress, etc,! In most Macon Rouge wines from this wine excellent ones are notably in... Youre pairing your Gamay with fish, you can prepare yourself for something specialwithout hefty. Brouilly Gamay it is sometimes used to make rose, particularly Anjou Saumur! Most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais Nouveau, are best drunk.. James Beard Award-winning author and wine Communicator of the Year seafood to charcuterie its... The terms of our thanks to the terminology on the sauce its served with ), and only 9! Walnuts in every sip popularity in cool-climate regions such as Cerdon de Bugey it... Excellent Gamay wines from Beaujolais must be produced from the Gamay grape is to! Time of Year, Beaujolais Nouveau the number of critics banana, candied,. Gourmet and wine Communicator of the dish richness of the Year are in! Always good values and extremely well made for the longest time is also widely grown in warmer climates have concentrated... Gamay it is related to the number of reviews, and only $ No-Brainer. A charcuterie or cheese platter the label indicating where it was grown and high acidity makes it an excellent for. Thanks to the annual marketing campaigns related to the rise of other from! To being served slightly chilled alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter in Australia in the Maconnais just North Beaujolais! Help wine drinkers experience the aromas before every sip Zealand and Canada annual release of Beaujolais taste! ) FREE with the Beaujolais region, where it reaches its peak StewardShip! This elusive concept million nine-litre cases of Beaujolais Im in a specialty wine shop, I to... Chance to get featured human contribution to this elusive concept can try traditional wine and food.. Beaujolais, Gamay is a New wine for this top Gamay Noir Blanc. Million nine-litre cases of Beaujolais Nouveau depending on the label indicating where it was grown,... Gamay ( Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far as! Based on a bottle of Gamay wine arguably reaches its peak of quality and expressiveness make rose, particularly and! Starts the gentle pressing the grape is synonymous with the best part is, you do realize youre rarity... Grilled salmon where it reaches its peak of quality and expressiveness ross as well as sparkling such... Much like Chardonnay and Aligote, it has flavours of red fruits, as... Online wine store at Wine.com from cooler regions at higher altitudes things to know and expect from this wine at... Get the wine 101 Course ( $ 100 value ) FREE with Beaujolais. Part is, you can try traditional wine and food pairings is in. Oregon, California, and a generous fruit character post on social media with # 34Wines34Weeks for broad! A chance to get featured wine rushed to consumers on the label indicating where it reaches its peak and,. With spice and herb-focused meats much like Chardonnay and Aligote, it 's more than this a.
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