Gamay

see also: Etymology of Gamay

red Type of vine of predilection of the beaujolais wine and the wines of the Loire, the gamay is appreciated for the light and fruity side which it gives to the wine.

It is when it is cultivated on granitic soils that the gamay gives the best results. For this reason the mounts of the Beaujolais wine were planted of stock S of gamay while the Burgundian slopes are planted of black Pinot. On this subject, an edict of Philippe Bold the, duke of Burgundy, evokes the “cheap one and unfair Gamay”: he had noticed the influence of the nature of the grounds on the wines and had indeed ordered consequently to plant only black Pinot until Mâcon and of the gamay beyond. This decree of the 14th century makes it possible to include/understand the current wine uses.

The wines worked out starting from this type of vine express very fruity and spiced flavors:

for the red fruits: the blackcurrant, the Raspberry, the English candy for example;
for the white fruits: the Apple, the Pear in particular;
for spices: the Peony, the Pepper.

Not being very structured wines, the gamays are generally not intended for ageing. However, the best, cultivated in the area of the vintages of the Beaujolais wine (Mill-with-wind, Morgon, Chénas, Juliénas, Chiroubles, etc) reach eight to ten years for the most successful years.

The gamays marry very well with the Charcuterie and the cheeses fresh for example. They can also make goods aperitifs. They are also authorized for the manufacture of certain champagnes.

Gamay

See also