Gamay grape variety

Gamay is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the French region of Beaujolais. The wines are light to medium-bodied, with low tannins and lively acidity. Gamay wines show flavours of red fruits such as strawberry, red cherry or raspberry, complemented by floral notes. A special fermentation technique called "maceration carbonique" gives the wines an often exuberantly fruity and tangy character. Gamay is usually drunk young, and Beaujolais Nouveau is even launched on the market the year it is harvested. However, the ten Beaujolais Cru regions also produce more complex Gamay with significant ageing potential. Gamay offers a refreshing alternative to stronger red wines, can also tolerate slight chilling and is therefore ideal for warm summer evenings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Gamay wine

What does a wine made from the Gamay grape variety typically taste like?

A wine made from the Gamay grape variety is like a basket full of fresh fruit. It is known for its lightness, lively freshness and low tannin content. On the palate, it is juicy, light-hearted and often very seductive.

What flavours are characteristic of the Gamay grape variety?

The nose is dominated by clear notes of red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and sour cherry. Floral nuances of violets or peonies are often added. If the wine has been made using macération carbonique (a special form of fermentation, the carbonic acid mixture), there are often playful notes of banana or chewing gum.

What is the structure of tannin and acidity in the Gamay grape variety?

The Gamay grape variety has a pronounced, refreshing acidity, but very little tannin (tannins). This makes it one of the few red wines that has almost no astringency (that furry feeling on the palate) and is therefore extremely accessible.

Where are the most important growing areas for the Gamay grape variety?

The spiritual and qualitative home of the Gamay grape variety is Beaujolais in the south of Burgundy. Here it grows on 98% of the vineyards. Other notable areas are found in the Loire and in Switzerland (often blended as Dôle).

What food harmonises best with a Gamay wine?

The Gamay grape variety is an "all-rounder" at the table. Its acidity and low tannins make it an excellent accompaniment to charcuterie (cold cuts), pâtés, grilled chicken or classic coq au vin. It is even one of the best red wine options for stronger fish such as roast salmon or tuna.

How is the Gamay grape variety different from Pinot Noir?

Although they are genetically related, the Gamay grape variety is usually fruitier, less complicated and more "purple-coloured" in the glass(Pinot Noir is more brick-red). Gamay often comes across as more rustic and direct, while Pinot Noir tends to emphasise subtlety and silky texture.

What is the difference between a simple Beaujolais and the crus of the Gamay grape variety?

A simple Beaujolais is made for quick enjoyment: fruity, light, uncomplicated. The 10 crus (e.g. Morgon, Julienas, Chénas) come from the best vineyards. They are more powerful, more mineral and show that the Gamay grape variety is capable of true world class and enormous depth.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, or Pinot Noir, is a red grape variety that is widely grown around the world today and is also the basis for some of the rarest and most exquisite wines in the world. The variety has a very long tradition of excellence, particularly in France (especially in Burgundy) and Germany (in the Ahr and Baden regions).

Pinotage

Pinotage is a cross between Hermitage (a synonym for Cinsault) and Pinot Noir, which originated in South Africa in the 1920s. The red grape variety produces powerful wines with high tannins and moderate acidity. It is early-ripening and typically displays red berry fruit flavours, which are complemented by spicy notes and often an unmistakable smoky or smoked bacon aroma.

Syrah

The French Rhone Valley is the home of Syrah, a red grape variety that can also be found in the USA and especially in Australia, where it is usually known as Shiraz. The two names are as different as the respective styles with which the genetically identical grape varieties are vinified.

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety grown mainly in southern France and Spain (where it is known as Garnacha). The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with low tannins and high acidity.

Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the oldest grape varieties from southern Italy. The first written evidence of its cultivation dates back to the 16th century. It produces high-quality wines with a deep ruby to garnet red colour and a rich, multi-layered bouquet.

Carmenère

Carmenère gilt als die "Signature Grape" Chiles. Fast die Hälfte der weltweiten Bestände wachsen dort. Ursprünglich stammt die Sorte aber aus Bordeaux, wo vor der Reblauskatastrophe weit verbreitet war.

Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best-known white grape varieties in France. It actually originated in the Loire - but is now cultivated worldwide as the second most important noble variety after Chardonnay. New Zealand in particular has become the second home of Sauvignon Blanc.

Kisi

Kisi is one of the oldest indigenous grape varieties in Georgia - and yet it had almost disappeared. It was not until the 1990s that it was rediscovered and systematically recultivated in the Kakheti region. Today, it is regarded as a symbol of the renaissance of Georgian viticulture and combines tradition, originality and modern elegance.

Welschriesling

Welschriesling is a white grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Austria and the wider Danube region of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite its name, it is not related to Riesling.

Chasselas

Chasselas is a white grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Switzerland, particularly in the Vaud region. It is also found in France and in Germany and Austria under the name Chasselas.

Riesling

Riesling is one of the best-known white grape varieties and is cultivated all over the world - first and foremost in Germany, of course. It is more flexible and versatile than almost any other grape.

Sémillon

Sémillon is a noble white grape variety that originates from France, but has now also found a home in the New World. The wines are known for their fruity flavours and full body. Dry Sémillon wines typically show flavours of lemon or lime, while the sweet and noble sweet varieties have apricot, peach, honey, candied fruit or nutty tones.

You can find information on other grape varieties here.