Gamay

Highly appreciated for its great freshness, its thirst-quenching power and aromas of red berries, Gamay is the emblematic Beaujolais grape. It thrives in cool, mountainous climates, especially in France, Switzerland and Canada.

Author Équipe SAQ

Published on September 22, 2021

Did you know ?

Gamay is the varietal at the heart of the “natural wine movement” initiated in Beaujolais by Jules Chauvet in the 1990’s. It is the sole varietal of the Beaujolais appellation and its ten crus (Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Côte-de-Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin-à-vent, Régnié and Saint-Amour).

Gamay in all its forms

Colour

Generally quite clear, it can sometimes present a beautiful intense ruby red color with purplish reflections.

Nose

Moderately intense, it exudes, depending on its origin, scents of fresh fruit (banana, strawberry, raspberry, peach and cherry), flowers, including violet, iris, rose, jasmine and peony, as well as notes of spices.

Taste

White meats or poultry accompanied by mustard, delicate herbs, red fruits, red berry sauce or even tomatoes. It is also a fine match for cold cuts such as saucisson, rillettes or poultry terrines.

Pairings

Red meats and game flavoured with pepper, mushrooms, rosemary, mint or a pepper coulis. When it comes from a warm climate and offers more ripe fruit aromas, it can be served with a long-simmered tomato sauce.