Grape · Red
Gamay
Moderate climate
About
The grape of Beaujolais. Often made with carbonic maceration, producing banana and candy notes alongside fresh red fruit. Best drunk young.
Typical profile
Body
Lean
Tannins
Silky
Acidity
Bright
Sweetness
Dry
Aromas
What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.
Young · fresh from the glass
Oak influence
None
Growing regions
How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.
France
Beaujolais
Fuller↑Firmer↑
Granite-grown Gamay, vibrant and floral. The crus tell different stories: Fleurie light and perfumed, Morgon dense and cherry-rich, Moulin-à-Vent serious and ageable.
Burgundy
Firmer↑
Bourgogne Gamay and Passetoutgrain blends. Lighter, simpler than Beaujolais crus.
Food pairings
charcuterie board with pâté de campagne and cornichonscoq au vin with pearl onions and mushroomsgrilled salmon with herb butter and roasted vegetablesroasted chicken thighs with rosemary and garlicmushroom and gruyère quichepork tenderloin with apple and thyme pan sauce
Similar grapes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gamay taste like?▼
Gamay offers bright, fresh red fruit flavors like raspberry, red cherry, and cranberry. When made with carbonic maceration, it develops distinctive banana and candy notes alongside the fruit.
Where does Gamay grow best?▼
Gamay thrives in moderate climates and is most famously grown in Beaujolais, France. The grape performs well in granite-rich soils that provide good drainage while maintaining freshness.
What food pairs with Gamay?▼
Gamay's light body and fresh acidity make it perfect with charcuterie, roasted chicken, and lighter meat dishes. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes and soft cheeses.
How does Gamay age?▼
Gamay is best enjoyed young to preserve its vibrant fruit character. With age, it develops earthy and mushroom notes, but most examples are designed for early consumption.
Is Gamay similar to other similar grapes?▼
Gamay shares similarities with Pinot Noir in its light body and red fruit profile, though it's typically more approachable and less complex. It's also comparable to other light reds like Dolcetto in terms of drinkability and food-friendliness.