Gamay: It’s Beaujolais

  • Gamay-based wines are typically light bodied and fruity.
  • Black currant, raspberry, violet, banana, earth.
  • The sole grape of Beaujolais.
  • A close cousin to Pinot Noir.
  • Likes granite and limestone soils.
  • Oak aging, if at all, is lightly done.
  • Tannins all over the place – wide variety
  • On the increase around the world in cool climate growing regions
    • Loire Valley in France
    • Patches in the Mâconnais, southern Burgundy
    • Switzerland
    • Canada – Niagara Peninsula
    • New Zealand
    • Australia
    • Oregon

 

  • Quality Beaujolais compares favorably to its close cousin, Pinot Noir, but guess what…It costs less money