Gamay Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Gamay (Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc) is the joyful, fruity red grape of Beaujolais, producing everything from vibrant Beaujolais Nouveau to serious, age-worthy cru wines from granite hillsides.
Learn more about Gamay
History & origins
Gamay is named after a village near Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy and is a natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc. In 1395, Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, banned it from the Côte d'Or as "disloyal," favoring Pinot Noir. Growers moved it south to Beaujolais, where it found its ideal home on granite soils. Carbonic maceration became the region's hallmark technique.
French regions & appellations
Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages and the 10 crus: Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Juliénas, Chiroubles, Chénas, Saint-Amour and Régnié; also Touraine, Coteaux du Giennois, Savoie, Bugey and Côtes d'Auvergne.
Taste profile
Light to medium body with low tannin and fresh acidity, showing red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, violet, peony and banana; crus add earthy, mineral depth.
Food pairing
Charcuterie, roast chicken, salade lyonnaise, quenelles, saucisson, burgers, turkey dinners and soft cheeses. Serve slightly chilled.