Why is Everyone Falling for Gamay Wine?

In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Gamay wine. This light-bodied red wine, often associated with the Beaujolais region of France, has captured the hearts of many. But what exactly is Gamay wine, and why has it become such a sought-after varietal? Let's dive into the world of Gamay and see why it’s so tasty.

What is Gamay Wine?

The wine grape, Gamay, also known as Gamay Noir, comes from the Burgundy region of France. It was once farmed all throughout the region until Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, banished Gamay from Burgundy in 1395. Interestingly enough, Philip believed Gamay was "foul" and "harmful" and that it threatened Burgundy's reputation for fine Pinot Noir wines. He also thought Gamay occupied land that could be used for Pinot Noir, which he considered more "elegant". 

Alas, Gamay has found its home in Beaujolais, now, where it coincidently thrives much better in the granitic soils than the limestone and clay found in the rest of Burgundy. The Gamay grape is known for its thin skin and high juice content, which contribute to its distinctive flavor profile and light-bodied nature.

Key Characteristics of Gamay Wine:

• Light to medium-bodied red wine
• Typically, low in tannins
• High acidity
• Vibrant fruit flavors
• Often made in a “carbonic fermentation” style
• Often best served slightly chilled

The Unique Taste of Gamay

One of the main reasons for Gamay's rising popularity is that it’s simply very easy to put down for most people! It’s fruity and silky smooth and not very astringent or tannic. It’s really just how you’d think alcoholic grape juice would taste. On a more serious note, Gamay typically offers the below characteristics:

Gamay Taste Profile:

• Primary flavors: Red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry)
• Secondary notes: Floral (violet, peony)
• Occasional hints of: Banana, bubblegum (in Carbonically Macerated Beaujolais, especially young wines and early released “Nouveau”)
• Earthier versions: Notes of black pepper, mushroom, and forest floor

The light-bodied nature and fruity character of Gamay make it a particularly excellent choice for those new to red wines, while its complexity satisfies sommeliers world-wide.

Why Gamay Has Become Popular

The surge in Gamay's popularity can be attributed to several factors that align with current wine consumption trends and preferences.

Versatility and Food Pairing

Gamay noir wine is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. Its light body and high acidity make it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes, from light salads to heartier meat-based meals. This versatility has made Gamay a favorite among sommeliers and food enthusiasts. For this, Gamay might be considered the unofficial “official” wine of Thanksgiving.

Shift Towards Lighter Wines

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards lighter, more refreshing wines which are lower in alcohol. Gamay fits perfectly into this trend, offering a welcome alternative to heavier, more tannic red wines, 15% bombs from the new world.

Value for Money

Many Gamay wines offer excellent quality at affordable price points, making them accessible to a broader audience. This value proposition has contributed significantly to the grape's growing popularity. Having said that, Gamay has surged in popularity and, thus, prices are inflated in Beaujolais, especially wines made from famous natural wine producers.

Natural Wine Movement

This movement started in Beaujolais by a few rogue winemakers looking to take better care of the planet, and put less chemicals into their wine. They decided to farm organically, and to intervene in the winemaking process as little as possible. This means farming organically or biodynamically in the vineyard, and in the cellar: no fining or filtering, no added sugar or liquid tannins, and the most hard-core winemakers object to the addition of any sulfur to the wine. 

Exploring Gamay: Beyond Beaujolais

While Beaujolais remains the gold standard for Gamay (and within Beaujolais there is a Cru system you can learn about here) the grape's popularity has led to its cultivation in various wine regions around the world. You can now find it in almost every New World wine region, as well as some Old-World vineyards and places that are looking to appeal to the younger generation’s palate.

Regions Producing Notable Gamay Wines:

• Loire Valley, France
• Oregon, USA (Willamette Valley is reportedly the first to have cultivated Gamay commercially) as well as Sonoma and other AVAs around the U.S.
• Canada – you won’t find much of this in the U.S. due to the wild import/export laws we have with them!
• Australia (Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, etc.)
• New Zealand in places like Hawkes Bay (Te Mata Estate’s Gamay is world renowned)

This global expansion has introduced many to new expressions of Gamay, further fueling its popularity and cementing its place in the world of delicious wines.

The Bright Future of Gamay