Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Gamay

Gamay (Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc in full) is most famous for producing the red wines of Beaujolais. It is, however, also grown in reasonable quanitities in various parts of the Loire Valley (notably Anjou), in Savoie and in western Switzerland.

In France, Gamay's homeland is Beaujolais. The traditional notion was that it arrived there (most likely from Germany) in the 14th Century and initially received an unenthusiastic welcome. However DNA analysis has shown it to be one of a number of grape varieties whose parent are Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. This genetic evidence supports the notion that its homeland was closer to to Burgundy.

Styles can vary due to ripeness levels, soil types and winemaking methods. Though Gamay is often described as having red berry and cherry fruit aromas, riper fruit delivers darker fruit characters. Many well-made examples can be deep, complex and ageworthy. Gamay is closely associated with the carbonic maceration method – though semi-carbonic maceration is a more accurate description. Semi-carbonic maceration its its varied guises is used at all quality levels across Beaujolais. Techniques vary greatly across Beaujolais according to ferment temperature and duration, and extraction levels. Only a few producers of Cru Beaujolais use Burgundian (more conventional) fermentation techniques. Very few wines are matured in new oak.

Happily, Gamay is currently experiencing something of a comeback via some of Beaujolais' other wines, namely those from the 10 villages, or crus, that bear the Beaujolais name. The most famous of these are Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie and Morgon, although Chiroubles, Julienas and Brouilly all make excellent examples as well.

We have a choice of videos to watch including:

1. https://youtu.be/goYmAXQIWVs?si=r5VmGvg5GEZIoWLQ - A Master Somm's Guide to Gamay - Somm TV (14:14)
2. https://youtu.be/X9GVrRCYtuw?si=RG3H7igAglbHPHpq - Gamay: The Heart of Beaujolais - Eat Frink Fun (10:11)
3. https://youtu.be/iYaqiGrIxBw?si=WrnU4IMyErjbWwJi - Gamay - Unknown Winecaster (6:48)

So, pick up a bottle and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!

Cheers!!