(Boe-zhuh- LAY)
Synonyms: Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, Gamay Noir, Beuna di Susa, Biaune Gamaise, Blauer Gamet, Borgogna, Bourguignon noir, Burgandi Nagyszemu, Carcairone, Chambonat, Complant de Lune, Erice noir, Ericey du Acher, Gamay Beaujolais, Gamay Charmont, Gamay d’ Auvergne, Gamay d’Arcenant, Gamay de la Dole, Gamay de Liverdun, Gamay Geoffray, Gamay Labronde, Gamay Magny, Gamay Mathieu, Gamay Nicolas, Gamay noir à Jus Blanc, Gamay Ovoide, Gamay Picard, Gamay Piccolo Nero, Gamay Rond, Gamay Sainte-foix, Gamay noir à Jus Blanc, Gamay Beaujolais, Gambonnin, Game, Game Crni, Gamet Blauer, Garcairone, Grosse Dole, Kek Gamay, Lyonnais, Lyonnaise, Marvandiot, Melon Gross Blau, Melon noir, Melonentraube Schwarz, Nagyburgundi Kek, Nicola, Olivette Beaujolaise, Petit Bourguignon, Petit Gamai, Petit Gamay, Petit Rondelet, Piccolo Gamay, Plant Charmenton, Plant Chartaignet, Plant Chatillon, Plant d’ Evelles, Plant d’ Hery, Plant d’Argenant, Plant de Bevy, Plant de la Treille, Plant de LaBronde, Plant de Limagne, Plant de Magny, Plant de Malin, Plant de Montlambert, Plant des Carmes, Plant Montagny-sous-Beaune, Plant Monternier, Plant Nikolas, Plant Picard, Plant Ton
Wine Name: Beaujolais, Nouveau Beaujolais, Nouveau Beaujolais Rosé, Gamay
Background: The Gamay grape is strange in that it has the flavors of a red wine but the body and balance of a white wine. Because of the way the grapes are fermented whole without crushing (carbonic maceration), it is fruity with flavors of cherry, raspberry, bananas, pears, black pepper and sometimes even bubble gum or juicy fruit. It is low in tannins but moderate in acidity. Alcohol levels are usually on the low side. The wine is meant to be drunk young and about 1/3 of Beaujolais in the Burgundy region of France is released very early (Noveau Beaujolais or en primeur). Some consider the nouveau version as just grape juice “kicked up a notch.”
The next level up is plain Beaujolais mostly produced in the southern region. A higher grade that is fuller-bodied and with more fruit intensity is Villages Beaujolais authorized in 39 of the communes. It is still a wine to be consumed without aging. The highest quality level is Cru Beaujolais which is even more perfumed and concentrated. It can be produced in any one of 10 approved areas: St Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-À-Vent, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Morgon, Régnié, Côte de Brouilly, and Brouilly. Some of these from a good vintage year, especially Morgon and Moulin-À-Vent, can age well for a decade.
Classic Brands and Sources: Cru Beaujolais from the areas of Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Fleurie, Chénas and Juliénas; Villages level by Louis Jadot and Georges Duboeuf or any Cru level producer; and Duboeuf for Nouveau
Characteristics:
| Style #1 – NouveauBody – light
Acidity – high Sweetness – dry but juicy fruit Tannins – medium (-) |
| Style #2 – typical BeaujolaisBody – light
Acidity – high Sweetness – dry but light fruit Tannins – medium (-) |
| Style #3 – Villages levelBody – medium (-)
Acidity – high Sweetness – dry but fruity Tannins – medium (-) |
| Style #4 – Cru BeaujolaisBody – medium
Acidity – medium (+) Sweetness – dry Tannins – medium |
Wine and food pairing guidelines:
Pairs well with lighter and medium bodied dishes especially those with some acidity
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
Chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna and grilled meats with acidic sauce, sausage, pasta with light tomato sauce
Cheese Pairings:
Brie with rind, Camembert with rind, Cantal, cheddar (aged), goat’s cheese, Emmental, Feta, Morbier, Muenster, Raclette, Vacherin, Vermont Shepherd
See also Light red acidic wine appetizers