Gamay is the remarkable red grape grown in the Beaujalois
district of southern Burgundy. The Gamay buds, flowers and ripens
early making it susceptible to spring frosts but allowing it to grow
strong in relatively cool climates. The Beaujolais wines from Gamay
grapes are typically lower in alcohol, lighter in body and have aromas
and flavors of fresh red fruit.
Wine producers make a particular style of wine from
the Gamay called Beaujolais Nouveau. This wine uses an initial fermenting
process with whole grapes named semi-carbonic maceration.
The technique preserves the fruitiness of the wine and allows it to
be ready to drink right after fermentation, the third week of November,
weeks after harvest.
Classic growing areas: Bordeaux,
Loire Valley- France, Switzerland.
