Gamay is the major red grape in the wine region of Beaujolais, but the two words are often used interchangeably. Technically a part of Burgundy, Beaujolais is generally not given the same respect as the hallowed vineyards of the Cotes du Nuit and the Cotes du Beaune, which focus on the production of wines made from Pinot Noir. In the 14th century it was thought that wines made from Gamay grapes infected people with serious diseases and in 1395 Philip II Duke of Burgundy decreed that all Gamay vines should be destroyed. It’s taken a long time for this poor grape to shake its reputation and in more recent history, the popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau has brought both negative and positive attention to this often-maligned grape.
We have concentrated on well-made and well-respected wines made in the recognized crus of Beaujolais, so look for the following designation on the labels including Julienas, St. Amour, Chenas, Moulin-A-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Cote de Brouilly, and Brouilly. Gamay is also made in Switzerland and in very limited quantities in Oregon. It’s also made in even smaller quantities in Australia, New Zealand California, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel. If you have ever enjoyed a simple, recently fermented Gamay on Beaujolais Nouveau Day which is the third Thursday of November, you’ll love the seven delicious wines we’re recommending now.
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Jean-Marc Burgaud 2021 Morgon Cote du Py Javernieres Beaujolais Burgundy France
Jean-Marc started his winery in 1989 in the village of Morgon and took over ownership of his aunt’s 12th century chateau. He farms 47 acres of hillside vines that are planted in soils composed of degraded granite, shist, iron oxide, and manganese with an average age of 50 years. His Cote du Py has definite minerality in the complex bouquet and flavor profile which includes wet river rock, crushed oyster shell, black cherry, and cranberry then morphs to flavors of pomegranate, dried cherry, and black plum in the mid palate.
Buy Now: $54
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Ochota Barrels 2022 Price of Silence Gamay Adelaide Hills South Australia
Winemaker Taras Ocota has garnered many awards including Young Gun of Wine Winner and Best New Australian Winery, and his winery was listed in the Top 100 Wineries in the World. He and his wife Amber first came up with the idea of starting a new Australian winery while surfing the Pacific Coast of Mexico in 2000 with the idea of making “beautiful, holistic wines back home.” Their 2022 Price of Silence Gamay has aromas of cranberry, red raspberry, and cherry with soft tannins and flavors of pomegranate, dried cherry, and red currant.
Buy Now: $60
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Chateau des Jacques 2022 Moulin-A-Vent Clos de Rochegres Beaujolais Burgundy France
Chateau des Jacques was acquired by the venerable house of Louis Jadot in 1996. It grows grapes in Moulin-A-Vent in 10 distinct parcels including Clos de Rochegres, Clos du Grand Carquelin, and Les Thorins. The delightful 2022 Clos de Rochegres has aromas of strawberry, red raspberry, and brown baking spices with flavors of cherry and red currant.
Buy Now: $53
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Amoise 2021 Gamay Noir Hawkes Bay Aotearoa New Zealand
Winemaker Amy Farnsworth only makes wine from certified organic grapes grown in beautiful Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa, New Zealand. She can generally be found working in the vineyards working with farming techniques that promote healthy soils and biodiversity. Her Gamay Noir is a well-made New Zealand wine and has aromas of red raspberry, plum, and strawberry with full on fruit flavors of red plum, red cassis, and a touch of garrigue in the finish. Because of the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar, it’s quite a bargain here in the U.S. market.
Buy Now: $36
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Paul-Henri Thillardon 2021 Chenas Chassignol Beaujolais Burgundy France
Paul-Henri started his winery in 2008 in the village of Chessignol and began tending existing 80-to-100-year-old vines. He works with his brother Charles who left a profitable milk company to assist in their 30-acre vineyard. Paul-Henri Thillardon 2021 Cassignol has aromas of rose hips, brown baking spices, and red raspberry with soft tannins and flavors of red plum, rose petals, and candied citrus peel.
Buy Now: $55
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Domaine Mee Godard 2022 Morgon Grand Cras Beaujolais Burgundy France
Winemaker Mee Godard refers to her domaine as a small niche winery in the heart of Morgon. She strives to create Beaujolais wines that are gastronomic in nature and pair well with a variety of foods. Her 2022 Morgon Grand Cras is ruby red with aromas of bright black cherry, red raspberry, and brown baking spices with silky tannins and flavors of cranberry, cherry, and red plum.
Buy Now: $52
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Domaine Jean Foillard 2022 Morgon Cuvée Corcelette Beaujolais Burgundy France
Jean Foillard is well known and respected in Beaujolais. He took over his family’s domaine in 1980 and was a student of Jules Chauvet, who is generally considered the father of the French natural wine movement. Foillard practices organic farming, whole cluster fermentation, and ages his wines in well used oak barrels. His Cuvée Corcelette is garnet colored with aromas of red raspberry, red plum, and cassis with flavors of ripe red fruits, cranberry, and mulberry.
Buy Now: $57
