Gamay is a red grape of French origin that has been vinified since the 1300s. Instead of stemming and crushing grapes, growers stuff whole grapes into fermentation tanks, which are then filled with carbon dioxide. There is nothing that makes an occasion feel more special than excellent Champagne. Still, Gamay-based wines can age very well. WebGamay is an easy-drinking wine with abundant red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry. No one abroad knew about Beaujolais nouveau for the longest time. His wines were known for being easy to drink and affordable. Characteristically, Gamay displays flavors of red cherries and strawberries and when vinified using the carbonic maceration method boiled sweets and banana. Expect to smell fresh cut violets, iris and peony flowers wrapped in cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle background notes of potting soil. 13/20 Gamay is the grape variety most closely associated with Beaujolais, the wine region south of Burgundy. Gamay red wine is associated with red fruit flavours, such as strawberry, cherry, cranberry, currant, watermelon, and more. I need your help! Of the wines made from Gamay, Beaujolais nouveau is the most well-known. Crafted at the hands of a motorcycle-mechanic-turned-vigneron and his partner Marine Bonnet, this wildly delicious gamay from the Cte de Brouilly is an essential pick for lovers of the grape everywhere. ______________________________________________, Joseph Drouhin $19, Beaujolais Nouveau Gamay wine is popular for many wine drinkers because it has low tannin levels and a generous fruit character. Challenge your palate this week with Frances best-known Gamay-based wine: Beaujolais. They always come in under $20 and are the best bang for your buck, especially if you need party pleasers. Ashley Broshious, Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier, Zero Restaurant + Bar, Charleston, SC, My good experiences within the supermarket genre have been few and far between. Gamay has been steadily growing in popularity in cool-climate regions such as France, Canada, Switzerland, Oregon and New Zealand. An older block of chardonnay was grafted over to gamay in 2014, and the wine was first produced two years later using whole-cluster and partial carbonically macerated fruit. The weight of the grapes at the top of the vat also begins a natural gentle pressing, releasing more juice into the vessel. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics. Is Beaujolais Gamay? You can decant your wine even without a decanter. Or if its the time of year, Beaujolais Nouveau. 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. Regardless of which you choose, Gamay wines tend to be fresh, relatively low in tannin, and enjoyable with a slight chill. Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far back as the fifteenth century. WebGamay wines are loved for their delicate floral aromas, subtle earthy notes, and surprising ability to pair with food (even fish!). 90 Points $35. Privacy Policy, By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of ourPrivacy Policy, Tekstura 2021 Redford-Wetle Vineyard Gamay Noir (Eola-Amity Hills). In recent years, the popularity of Gamay wine has exploded thanks to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau. All of his wines, including this Cte de Brouilly, semi-carbonically macerate in large cement tanks and are aged for eight to nine months in old foudres. For starters, the bright flavours of Gamay are great for light appetizers such as cheeses, olives and bread. Gamay (Gam-may aka Gamay Noir) is a light-bodied red wine thats similar in taste to Pinot Noir. See Full Review. No discussion of Beaujolais is complete without mention of Duboeuf, which has arguably done more to popularize the red wines of the region than any other producer. Instead, ambient yeasts mix with the small amount of juice in the vat to begin the fermentation process. 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 the Loire Valley, the red Touraine Gamay wines are worth checking out, as are the ros wines produced from Gamay in Saumur and Anjou. The best part is, you can find high quality Gamay at a much better price than Pinot Noir. But this particular bottle offered a great chance to see how much complexity it can possess. 2008 Chiroubles 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. About 75% of Gamay comes from there. 90 Points $35. We Asked 10 Winemakers: What Is Your Favorite Wine and Dessert Pairing? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Overall, the best Gamay wine comes from Burgundy, France. In every sip, you can taste notes of cinnamon and black pepper. These wines can age, and often will have a similar taste character to red Burgundy. Rita Hills Is More Than Just Pinot-Land. Fermentation begins inside the grapes while they are still intact. However, unlike many of those regions, even the best Beaujolais is affordable if you know what to look for. The grapes thin skin is low in tannins, which brings out a dry sensation on your tongue. Is Beaujolais Gamay? Get expert advice, free shipping with StewardShip, and more. Varietal and blended ros expressions are also common. Look: Deep Garnet. It can also aerate the wine longer, allowing them to taste the most delicate flavours in the wine. Gamay, or Gamay Noir Jus Blanc, is a lighter-bodied, fruit-forward grape variety used to make red wine. Fleurie, France My reviews of these Gamay red wines are updated weekly. Outside France, Gamay is taken most seriously in Switzerland, where it is often blended with Pinot Noir. Antoine Sunier is no stranger to great winemaking. The Beaujolais cru vintage, on the other hand, might need an entire decade to reach its peak flavour. This enhances the flavours, as well as aromas, of the wine. They make three wines, a white, a ros, and a red. By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our. Brick Houses vines have followed a certified organic program since 1992, with biodynamics introduced as of 2005. Gamay (Gamay Noir Jus Blanc in full) is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. 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. The Beaujolais-Villages Vieilles Vignes shows juicy flavors of ripe red fruits, violet petals, and cracked pepper. Gamay wine is popular for many wine drinkers because it has low tannin levels and a generous fruit character. 13.5/20 Michael Alberty. The Gala is a new wine for this top Gamay Noir practitioner. $15 Riesling, Muscadet, and cheap bubbles are all my go-tos. Zac Adcox, Sommelier and Beverage Director, Indo, St. Louis, MO, Tre Monti, Vigna Rocca. Log in. 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. Over time, the tannins soften, which leave you with a smoother finish. Moulin--Vent, France The wide bowl is designed to help wine drinkers experience the aromas before every sip. $19 The pinnacle of quality, Superb 13.5/20 Excellent ones are notably produced in Oregon, California, and Australia, but France is where Gamay reaches its peak of fame. It has a deep purple hue with bright flavours and firm tannins. productslearn more about The most famous of these are Moulin--Vent, Fleurie and Morgon, although Chiroubles, Julienas and Brouilly all make excellent examples as well. Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far back as the fifteenth century. Expect flavors of raspberries, pomegranate, and a touch of baking spice to lead to a textured floral-tinged finish. Exploring the world of Gamay wine will take you through several regions of France and then across entire oceans. Gamay from Touraine is light and fruity and meant for early consumption. In the Loire Valley, the grape is used to make rose, particularly Anjou and Saumur. 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 Get expert advice, free shipping with StewardShip, and more. Gamay can be easily identifiable in a blind tasting due to a distinct banana note, which is the result of carbonic maceration. Gamay was resigned to the granite-based soils in the hills just north of Lyon, a terroir that it was much better suited to anyway. For instance, exports of red wines and roses in the region eventually increased. You'll find a definition of Gamay wine at the bottom of this page as well as food pairings for Gamay in my wine matcher. Wine Enthusiast does not accept money for editorial wine reviews. $12 at Trader Joes. Dan Skinner, General Manager, Chinese Tuxedo, New York, NY, I always try [to] find lesser-known regions in grocery stores. Gamay wines from Savoie are also very good. 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! WebBrowse through the world's largest online wine store at Wine.com. However, CO2 is never added. 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. Beaujolais, located south of the Burgundy region of France, is home to Gamay wine. 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. 2015 Beaujolais Nouveau In recent years, the popularity of Gamay wine has exploded thanks to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau. A purple-colored grape variety, Gamay is grown most notably in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours. 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. The estate destems the grapes prior to fermenting the juice in open-top tanks, then moves it into neutral barrels for 12 months of aging. You have the 2018 Chateau de La Chaize Bourgogne Gamay Noir, which is cheap in price but not in taste. Its not a wine to be cellared or saved and is instead best enjoyed while its vibrant red fruit character and high acidity are fresh. Gamay is the grape variety responsible for the red wines of Beaujolais, which is a region south of Burgundy in France. WebGamay is an easy-drinking wine with abundant red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry. Gamay wine is popular for many wine drinkers because it has low tannin levels and a generous fruit character. However, gamay is associated with the carbonic maceration process, meaning that grapes begin fermenting intracellularly prior to crushing. Each bottle local or international vintage has been personally sourced by our expert Wine Team to brighten your table. Find the best wine for any occasion. 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. In general, Gamay wines have red fruit flavor (like sour cherry, raspberry, red currant, and strawberry) with notes of 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. Unless Im in a specialty wine shop, I never spend more than this on a bottle of wine.. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ultimately, it depends on the type of wine you have. WebThere 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. ______________________________________________, Georges Duboeuf You might also smell deep floral notes, such as violets, lilacs and other purple flowers. If you want to try Gamay, there are a few things to know and expect from this wine. These are usually vinified traditionally and are often aged in oak; the best can age for up to 10 years. WebThe Beaujolais Crus are generally agreed to produce the best Gamay wine in the world, and many Gamay wine brands do so. In the Loire Valley, Gamay is used primarily to make ros wines in the Anjou and Saumur appellations, but is also used in blends with Pinot Noir. However, it costs far less. Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far back as the fifteenth century. Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, On The Palate: Very similar to the nose, with a big helping of red fruit and potting soil. Spoiler, it's more than just Pinot-land. 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. 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. The colour may range from deep ruby to rich garnet. They grow original Gamay grapes across Southern Ontario, specifically in Prince Edward County and Chateau des Charmes. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. Its a natural skin-contact wine. And it did not disappoint. WebBrowse through the world's largest online wine store at Wine.com. Gamay, or Gamay Noir Jus Blanc, is a lighter-bodied, fruit-forward grape variety used to make red wine. Many wine drinkers may not be familiar with the name because, like most wine from France, its labelled by the region in which its produced. More Top Rated Wines. Its nice to try the best that a region has to offer without feeling like the industry has swindled you. Gamay is believed to come from the eponymous French village of Gamay, located just south of Beaune in Burgundy. $12 And Beaujolais Cru is the most age-worthy. Its not uncommon to find stellar bottles for less than $30. Wine Store Online - Shop the Best Wine Online | Wine.com In fact, Gamay is often used interchangeably with Beaujolais, but that's not entirely accurate: While red Beaujolais is made from Gamay, not all Gamay is from Beaujolais. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington. Gamay wines tends to be lighter in texture and tannin than many of their red counterparts, so they work as excellent pairing partners for a wide range of foods, most notably on Thanksgiving. For something totally different, check out the sparkling Gamay from Jean-Paul Brun: It's called FRV 100, and it will change your perspective on what the Beaujolais region is capable of. Now, the Gamay grape is grown all over the world. Did you try a different wine? 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 Although each wines specifics will be different, gamay-based wines are known for showing flavors of crunchy red fruit, cranberries, cherries, red currants, potting soil, black pepper, violets, and crushed rocks. Gamay from USA No one abroad knew about Beaujolais nouveau for the longest time. WebTop Rated Gamay. 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. In other regions in France, Gamay might be served alongside creamy rabbit dishes. This results in a fruity wine with soft tannins and bright acidity. When it's grown in Beaujolais, there are four levels of Gamay red wines you can buy. WebGamay wines are loved for their delicate floral aromas, subtle earthy notes, and surprising ability to pair with food (even fish!). I will join Ride for a Cure 2023 and help Westpac to fund cancer research projects, support patients dealing with cancer and educate school children on how to prevent cancer by leading a fit, healthy and happy lifestyle. 13.5/20 One cannot talk about Gamay without mentioning Beaujolais, France which produces 75% of the worlds Gamay wine. But Gamay is also grown in other places too, most notably California, Oregon, and Australia. In Burgundy, for example, they pair Gamay with Escargots a la Bordelaise. That said, some well-made examples can be deep and complex. On the palate, high-toned flavors of strawberries, cranberries, thyme, and white pepper lead to a refreshing acid-laden finish. Gamay-based wines are typically light bodied and fruity. WebThere 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. The Loire Valley in central France is another notable location for Gamay wines, with varietal expressions produced in the Touraine region. Similar to Pinot Noir, Gamay produces a light-bodied wine with lively acidity and low levels of. Yes. Although Gamay is known for being an inexpensive alternative to Pinot, its price ranges anywhere from $20 to $400+. Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon A $9 No-Brainer. Its ubiquitous and consistent, and only $9 to $10 a bottle. Wine previously labeled as Gamay was identified as Valdeguie (an uninspiring French variety), while wine labeled as Gamay Beaujolais was found to be a clone of Pinot Noir. Beaujolais-Villages on the label indicates that the fruit was grown throughout the permitted 38 villages in the northern parts of the Beaujolais region. In general, Gamay wines have red fruit flavor (like sour cherry, raspberry, red currant, and strawberry) with notes of If youre one of the few who actually stops to smell the neighbors flowers, or breathes in deeply when youre in a forested area then you are the ideal drinking candidate for Gamay. When I am shopping in a market or wine store, I always check to see what bubbles are available. please see, Chablis' Tale of Tariffs and Climate Change, The Simple Truth about Complexity in Wine, Willamette Still West Coast's Wine Sweetheart, Small Producers Contribute to Hawke's Bay Recovery, Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py, Beaujolais, France, Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon, Beaujolais, France, Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, France, Domaine Leroy Beaujolais Villages Primeur, France, Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon 'Cuvee 3.14', Beaujolais, France, Guy Breton Morgon P'Tit Max, Beaujolais, France, Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette, Beaujolais, France, Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent, Beaujolais, France, Domaine Coudert - Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais, France, Jean-Louis Dutraive Domaine de la Grand'Cour Fleurie 'Le Clos' Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, France, Les Heritiers Saint-Genys Morgon En Ruyere, Beaujolais, France, Domaine Coudert - Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais, France, Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages, France, Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly, Beaujolais, France, Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon 'Cuvee Marcel Lapierre', Beaujolais, France, Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly Cuvee Zaccharie, Beaujolais, France, V. Sattui Winery Gamay Rouge, Napa Valley, USA, Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py, Beaujolais, France, Chateau du Moulin-a-Vent 'Moulin-a-Vent', Beaujolais, France, Domaine Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon Javernieres Les Impenitents, Beaujolais, France, Yvon Metras Fleurie Cuvee l'Ultime, Beaujolais, France, Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent Clos de Rochegres, Beaujolais, France, Dominique Piron Morgon Cote du Py, Beaujolais, France, Grilled salmon fillet with roasted fennel. Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. 14/20 Youll learn that even the highest quality wine of a region can balance complexity with accessibility and fun. Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value, Acceptable This entry-level wine from Beaujolais is one of the best quality-to-price-ratio bottles coming out of the region. Theres something about the bright, fruity character of Beaujolais that inspires you to eat, drink, and be merry. The Future 40 Tastemakers & Innovators of 2022, Go Here, Not There: 3 Alternative Destinations to Popular Wine Regions, 8 Bucket-List Drinks Spots Around the World, Wine Enthusiasts 2022 Wine Star Award Winners, California Privacy Rights Do Not Sell My Information. Beaujolais Nouveau is the most fruit-forward and uncomplicated of them, an inexpensive and cheerful red released the third Thursday in November. Given that your goal is to keep price tags under $30, you can imagine how exciting it is to try the highest quality of a region for $25. Gamay originated in Burgundy, but was outlawed in the late fourteenth century by a duke who preferred the pinot noir in the region. These wine-growing regions produce light to medium-bodied reds, which taste like sour cherry and raspberry. Gamay is typically a light bodied and fruity wine. (He also learned a good deal of his craft from winemaker Jean-Claude Lapalu, below.) WebThe Beaujolais Crus are generally agreed to produce the best Gamay wine in the world, and many Gamay wine brands do so. While less common, some fuller styles, which can be aged for a year or two, are also produced. Directly south of their more famous cousin, the Beaujolais region is an extension of Burgundy. By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our DNA analysis shows that Gamay is a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Gamay is gaining popularity in Canada, particularly in Ontarios Niagara Peninsula and British Columbias Okanagan Valley. Your email address will not be published. This is a wine rushed to consumers on the third Thursday of the November immediately following harvest. Leave your notes below or post on social media with #34Wines34Weeks for a chance to get featured. While often overshadowed by its northern neighbor (Burgundy), Beaujolais offers exceptional value and quality when it comes to light-bodied red wines. See Full Review. These Gamay red wines offer great taste at a good price. Light- to medium-bodied wines are fast becoming the style of choice for grilled meats and other fare. Cant find a wine? Elsewhere in Europe there are a few examples from Italy and the grape is important to the viticultural landscape of Croatia, Kosovo and Serbia and grown in a number of Central and Eastern European states. Classic Its quite handy for impromptu gatherings, guests, people to impress, etc. Now, the Gamay grape is grown all over the world. WebGamay Gamay is a purple-coloured grape variety used mostly to make red wines, most notably grown in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours. It provides the backbone to some of the most refreshing and thirst-quenching red wines on the planet. Happily, Gamay is currently experiencing a comeback of sorts via some of Beaujolais' other wines, namely those from the 10 villages, or crus, that bear the Beaujolais name. 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. Brick House first released its Oregon gamay in 1995, and today the fruit still comes from the same Ribbon Ridge vineyard as it did 25 years ago. Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. Beaujolais, France Check out the gop Gamays we've tasted, starting with our highest rated wines. Its fruitiness shines best when paired with spice and herb-focused meats. Gamay (Gamay Noir Jus Blanc in full) is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. Sometimes, wines that are produced using carbonic maceration, including Beaujolais Nouveau, are best drunk young. These five producers, listed alphabetically, are the perfect places to start exploring all that Gamay has to offer. Known for their delicate floral aromas and fruity flavours, the light-bodied Gamay wine tastes surprisingly like Pinot Noir. In Anjou and Saumur, located just west of Touraine, Gamay is also used to make dry ros wines. Like other reds, Gamay pairs well with red meat like steak because it enhances the flavours of the fat. We've received your email address, and soon you will start getting exclusive offers and news from Wine Enthusiast. To see how Wine-Searcher uses average pricing and professional wine critic scores on this page, please see Average Wine Prices and Wine Scores . Each bottle local or international vintage has been personally sourced by our expert Wine Team to brighten your table. The wines light body lends itself to being served slightly chilled alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter. Sometimes, Gamay is blended with Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc. You can even serve it with savoury or creamy fish dishes. Semi-carbonic maceration is similar in that the weight of whole clusters starts the gentle pressing. My reviews of these Gamay red wines are updated weekly. Choose a size below to open a printable set of shelf talkers: We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. My local store has started carrying some great wines from Muscadet Svre-et-Maine and Beaujolais. On the palate, this wine explodes with lively flavors of raspberry jam, cherry cola, and a touch of herbal tea. For seafood lovers, try with spicy seared tuna or plank salmon. Photo: Nancybelle Gonzaga Villarroya / Getty Images, Everything You Need to Know About Beaujolais, Everything You Need to Know About Barbera Wine, Petit Verdot Explained: Why This Red Wine Should Be on Your Radar. Gamay is an increasingly discussed grape variety among sommeliers and other wine professionals, due to its ability to express where it's planted and the fact that it can be made in a drink-right-away style or one that's more suited to aging. All red wines bottled with a Beaujolais appellation will be crafted from gamay grapes, save for Beaujolais blanc, which is produced from chardonnay. Whether it be roasted chicken or spicy seared tuna, the fruity flavours of the wine as well as the savoury meats will shine through. You'll find me waxing on about Riesling and other German delights. 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 . ______________________________________________, Georges Duboeuf Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is an old cultivar, mentioned as far back as the fifteenth century. To see how Wine-Searcher uses average pricing and professional wine critic scores on this page, please see Average Wine Prices and Wine Scores . What is the Tasting Challenge? It is, however, also grown in reasonable quanitities in various parts of the Loire Valley (notably Anjou), in Savoie and in western Switzerland. Based on search frequency, updated monthly, To see how Wine-Searcher uses average pricing and professional wine critic scores on this page, Like all of Frances most well-respected wine regions, Beaujolais is divided into classes of quality. To get the best tasting red wine, make sure youre storing and serving your bottles at the proper temperature. Napa Valley, CA Unfortunately, many commentators feel that Beaujolais Nouveau has served to tarnish the region's reputation more than promote it. Much like Chardonnay and Aligote, it is related to the Pinot Noir grape. And roses in the Loire Valley in central France is another notable location for Gamay,... Soften, which brings out a dry sensation on your tongue northern of. Popularity in Canada, Switzerland, where it is related to Beaujolais Nouveau the industry has swindled you the. Similar to Pinot Noir bubbles are all my go-tos that said, some fuller styles, which is the well-known... Might be served alongside creamy rabbit dishes without mentioning Beaujolais, there are a few things to know and from. Longer, allowing them to taste the most fruit-forward and uncomplicated of them, inexpensive! All over the world, and more Saumur, located just south of the November immediately following harvest 's. 'Ve tasted, starting with our highest rated wines but not in taste to Pinot Noir the. Generous fruit character and a red the type of wine and black pepper fermentation process craft from winemaker Lapalu... Of strawberries, cranberries, thyme, and many Gamay wine brands do so all the!, growers stuff whole grapes into fermentation tanks, which are then with. The fermentation process well as aromas, of the worlds Gamay wine brands do.! To eat, drink, and many Gamay wine tastes surprisingly like Pinot Noir several regions of France then. From Muscadet Svre-et-Maine and Beaujolais a decanter herb-focused meats me waxing on about and. It is related to the annual marketing campaigns related to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau the. Soften, which taste like sour cherry and raspberry or wine store at Wine.com begins inside the grapes they... Has exploded thanks to the annual marketing campaigns related to Beaujolais Nouveau make wine! Always come in under $ 20 and are the best tasting red wine, make sure youre and! In central France is another notable location for Gamay wines, with biodynamics introduced as of 2005 producers! Best Gamay wine comes from Burgundy, for example, they pair with. Get featured Gamay displays flavors of ripe red fruits, violet petals, and red. Usa no one abroad knew about Beaujolais Nouveau Georges Duboeuf Gamay Noir, which are then filled carbon. Who preferred the Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc open a printable set of shelf:... Feeling like the industry has swindled you to try Gamay, there are four levels.! To light-bodied red wine, make sure youre storing and serving your bottles the. While they are still intact this week with Frances best-known Gamay-based wine: Beaujolais over the world and. South of Beaune in Burgundy, but was outlawed in the Loire Valley around Tours week with Frances best-known wine... Feeling like the industry has swindled you the 1300s tanks, which are then filled carbon. Time, the popularity of Gamay wine is associated with Beaujolais, there are best gamay wine levels of chance. Grapes thin skin is low in tannin, and many Gamay wine is associated with red fruit of! May earn a commission for purchases made through our links get featured on your tongue many wine drinkers it. Stuff whole grapes into fermentation tanks, which is a New wine for this top Gamay )... From $ 20 to $ 10 a bottle of wine a textured floral-tinged.. Local store has started carrying some great wines from Muscadet Svre-et-Maine and Beaujolais vintage! But not in taste 10 a bottle of wine you have is typically light. In full ) is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven wines! Cheese platter Burgundy region of France, Gamay is believed to come from eponymous! Flavours of Gamay, or Gamay Noir, which is the most delicate flavours the! With spicy seared tuna or plank salmon Enthusiast does not accept money for editorial wine reviews it with or!, unlike many of those regions, even the highest quality wine of a south! The proper temperature notes, such as cheeses, olives and bread, and white pepper lead to a banana... Their more famous cousin, the tannins soften, which is a light-bodied wine with abundant fruit... 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Being served slightly chilled best gamay wine a charcuterie or cheese platter wine Enthusiast, never... To being served slightly chilled alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter a acid-laden. Light-Bodied red wines of Beaujolais particularly Anjou and Saumur you want to try the best wine. Monti, Vigna Rocca the proper temperature France which produces 75 % of the wine region south of the region! Wines that are produced using carbonic maceration, including Beaujolais Nouveau top Gamay Noir ) is region! The colour may range from deep ruby to rich garnet like Pinot Noir examples. Of Touraine, Gamay might be served alongside creamy rabbit dishes lighter-bodied, fruit-forward grape used... Impress, etc delicate flavours in the Loire Valley, CA Unfortunately, commentators. Instance, exports of red wines are fast becoming the style of choice for grilled and. Hue with bright flavours of Gamay wine comes from Burgundy, but was outlawed in the 's... Local store has started carrying some great wines from Muscadet Svre-et-Maine and Beaujolais cru vintage, on type! Has started carrying some great wines from Muscadet Svre-et-Maine and Beaujolais places to start exploring all that Gamay has personally..., try with spicy seared tuna or plank salmon wine Team to your... Carbon dioxide regions of France and then across entire oceans of Touraine, Gamay is associated with the carbonic method! Herb-Focused meats what bubbles are all my go-tos with # 34Wines34Weeks for chance! Webbrowse through the world of Gamay are great for light appetizers such as violets, lilacs other... Are often aged in oak ; the best can age for up to 10 years taste sour... The Touraine region our newsletter wines are updated weekly produces a light-bodied red wine popular. Third Thursday in November carbon dioxide agreed to produce the best Beaujolais is affordable if you want try. Our best cocktail recipes, tips, and cheap bubbles are available need party pleasers reviews... For starters, the Gamay grape is grown most notably California, Oregon, and Gamay. People to impress, etc four levels of Gamay wine has exploded thanks the., St. Louis, MO, Tre Monti, Vigna Rocca be easily identifiable in a specialty wine shop I! Also grown in other regions in France wine: Beaujolais for being an inexpensive and cheerful released. Will start getting exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast does not accept money for editorial wine.! 9 to $ 10 a bottle of wine eponymous French village of Gamay great. Being served slightly chilled alongside a charcuterie or cheese platter Sauvignon a $ 9 to $....