The Winery Story Cellars of Yakima Valley of Washington

Discover the grape variety: Gamay de Chaudenay

Unlike its dyer congeners, Gamay de Chaudenay is said to have "white juice". It is a cross between white gouais and pinot noir that gave birth to this grape variety from the north of Lyon, and its alternative names are Olivette Beaujolaise, Gamay de Caudoz and Gamay d'Arcenant. It is a variety that buds early in the year and is susceptible to wood diseases and excoriosis. Its three-lobed, finely serrated leaves are almost round and hairless. The youngest leaves are slightly shiny and yellowish-green in color. The plant matures in the first late season and bears small clusters, winged or not, of cylindrical shape. These clusters contain medium-sized, ovoid, grayish-black berries. The skin provides a dark coloured pulp when ripe. When vinified, the Gamay de Chaudenay gives a wine that is low in tannin but rather colourful. Notes of spice and fruit characterize the warm but short-lived wines that emerge.