Wines made from Gamay noir grapes of Burgundy

Discover the best wines made with Gamay noir as a single variety or as a blend of Burgundy.

Wine made from Gamay noir grape variety>France >Burgundy

More informations about the variety Gamay noir

Gamay is a Burgundian grape variety that has existed since the 14th century. For fear of competition with the pinot noir of Burgundy, gamay was finally uprooted and planted in the Beaujolais region, from Mâcon to Lyon. These siliceous and granitic soils suit it perfectly, and it gives its best here. But it is also planted all over France, such as in Lorraine, in the Loire Valley, in Bugey, in Savoie and in Auvergne. Gamay is early and very productive and needs to be limited so that quality prevails over quantity. Short winter pruning of the shoots and high density of vines per hectare are the methods that allow it to produce very fruity, fresh and greedy red wines. Gamay is also very popular in red wine futures, and produces wines from the Beaujolais region with very interesting character and ageing potential. The AOCs Crémant-de-Bourgogne, Mâcon, Anjou, Touraine, Rosé de vallée de la Loire, Côtes-d'Auvergne, Saint-Pourçain, Bugey, Gaillac, Côtes du Luberon... and many vins de pays are proud of it. Today, about 36,000 hectares of Gamay are cultivated in France, including 22,000 hectares in Beaujolais.

More informations about the region of Burgundy

Bourgogne is the catch-all regional appellation title of the Burgundy wine region in eastern France ("Bourgogne" is the French name for Burgundy). Burgundy has a Complex and comprehensive appellation system; counting Premier Cru and Grand Cru titles, the region has over 700 appellation titles for its wines. Thus, Burgundy wines often come from one Vineyard (or several separate vineyards) without an appellation title specific to the region, Village or even vineyard. A standard Burgundy wine may be made from grapes grown in one or more of Burgundy's 300 communes.

What are the typical flavors of the Gamay noir grape variety?

Red fruitPresent in 31% of Gamay noir
EarthPresent in 18% of Gamay noir
OakPresent in 17% of Gamay noir
Non oakPresent in 13% of Gamay noir
Black fruitPresent in 13% of Gamay noir
StrawberriesPresent in 11% of Gamay noir
RaspberryPresent in 10% of Gamay noir
MicrobioPresent in 10% of Gamay noir
SpicesPresent in 9% of Gamay noir
Tree fruitPresent in 8% of Gamay noir

CherryPresent in 8% of Gamay noir
Red fruitPresent in 6% of Gamay noir
EarthyPresent in 6% of Gamay noir
VanillaPresent in 4% of Gamay noir
PepperPresent in 4% of Gamay noir
Citrus fruitPresent in 4% of Gamay noir
PlumPresent in 4% of Gamay noir
MineralityPresent in 3% of Gamay noir
FloralPresent in 3% of Gamay noir
PeachPresent in 3% of Gamay noir

News about the grape variety Gamay noir

Last tickets remaining: Decanter’s Harlan Estate masterclass in New York

We are delighted to be returning to New York for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter on Saturday 10 June 2023, to bring visitors an array of outstanding wines to discover and taste with the unrivalled Grand Tasting and a series of exceptional Masterclasses. One of the most hotly anticipated masterclasses features Napa’s highly regarded Harlan Estate, one with true cult status. Just tiny amounts of the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blend from the Oakville hills are made each year, and ...

Greatest vineyards: Decanter names 12 ‘to rule them all’

Decanter has published a list of ‘12 vineyards to rule them all‘, featuring some of the greatest vineyards across the globe, after consulting a selection of leading wine world experts. After much debate and discussion, the final dozen takes wine lovers on a journey across the international wine world, from Burgundy and Barolo to Napa Valley, via South Australia and Argentina – to name just a few destinations. Not everyone will agree with the choices made, of course. It’s a list that ...

Port Ellen and Brora casks to be auctioned by Sotheby’s

Part of the auction house’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the sale runs until next Tuesday, 14 June, and also includes one-off collaborations with artist Ini Archibong and photographer Trey Ratcliff. The two refill American oak hogshead casks, supplied from Diageo’s Casks of Distinction VIP private cask purchase programme, both have pre-sale estimates of £700,000-1.2m. The Port Ellen cask was filled on 15 February 1979, has a current strength of 52.9% abv and is estimated to hold 102 bottles. T ...