It was first mentioned in 1395 in a decree of Philippe Le Hardi. This decree prohibited the cultivation of "disloyal Gaamez" on its lands, encompassing the entire Côte d'Or department. Indeed, at the time it produced bitter and harsh wines.
It is considered the rebellious brother of the very famous Chardonnay . Just like the latter, it comes from a natural cross between Gouais (Gwäss in Valais) and Pinot.
Gamay is often vinified as a single varietal. But it is also used in blends with other grape varieties, such as Pinot noir . It brings notes of small red fruits.
The vinification of Gamay can be done using carbonic maceration, a technique which preserves the fruity aromas and produces more supple wines with a pale color.
When vinified for quick consumption , Gamay's profile is light, fruity and floral. It has a lively acidity which brings freshness and liveliness. It is therefore preferable to serve it slightly chilled, as an accompaniment to cold meats, lake fish or cold dishes.
When producers employ more extractive techniques and use barrel aging , Gamay produces more complex and structured wines, very elegant, deep, and suitable for aging. In this case, it can accompany spicier dishes and red meats.
It covers an area of 1,224 hectares. It is mainly planted in French-speaking Switzerland, particularly in Valais (537 ha), followed by the canton of Vaud (353 ha) and Geneva (333 ha).
In the Vaud region, there is a particular variation of Gamay called Plant Robert , which is distinguished by its pronounced spicy character.
In Valais, Gamay is vinified alone or blended with Pinot noir to produce Dôle .
Discover “Les Mazots” Dôle 2022 .
Beaujolais is where Gamay fully reveals its potential.
The best wines come from the 10 recognized appellations of Beaujolais, the Crus du Beaujolais, which are Saint-Amour, Chénas, Fleurie, Juliénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Chiroubles, Brouilly, Côte-de-Brouilly and Régnié. The vines are grown on hillsides with granite soils, using the traditional goblet method with a high planting density.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a primeur wine that celebrates the first harvest of the year. It is produced throughout the Beaujolais region, often on terroirs of less quality than those of the 10 Crus du Beaujolais. Beaujolais Nouveau is a light, fruity and pleasant to drink wine, which is bottled only a few weeks after the harvest.
It officially goes on sale the third Thursday of November.
Gamay-based wines are also found in other French regions, such as the Loire, Savoie, Touraine and Auvergne.
