Gamay - What is it and Will I Like it?

We are changing our show tonight, but we still have you covered with wine information.

Tonight we are going to taste and learn about Gamay.

Gamay is known for being a light-body and fruit-forward wine with low tannins. It typically has cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, and earthy and floral notes. Acid is typically medium to high.

Duke of Burgundy banned Gamay in 1395 because he believed it to be an inferior wine, but it remained and continued to be grown in the southern Burgundy region of Beaujolais. This is the most famous region producing Gamay, and now is responsible for about 75% of all of the Gamay wine in the world. Our wine tonight comes from the Loire Valley where is it also grown in the central regions of the Loire. It is also being grown in parts of Canada, Oregon, and New Zealand.

Gamay pairs well with soft cheeses, chicken, turkey, salmon, and mushroom dishes. Serve slightly chilled at 55-60 degrees.

Here are our three wines for tonight.

Tonight, we are enjoying:

1. 2021 Le Rouge E’Ici et E’Ailleurs Saint Pourcain, Loire Valley. I purchased online and you can still find it for $18.00. It is produced by Domaine des Berioles. The winery is biodynamic and it is made with 100% Gamay grapes. It has 12.5% alcohol.

This wine was average, I liked it but nothing I would go out an purchase again. We both rated it a 3. I did like the earthiness, but had an overpowering cherry taste.

Next week, we are testing ourselves and the wine industry. Does price equal quality? We are going to taste three very different-priced Pinot Noirs and see if price equals enjoyment.