Gamay Expressions: The Red Wine Grape of Beaujolais . . . now in California

Given huge inflation in the prices of Bourgogne (Burgundy) red wines, many wine experts recommend looking to its neighbor, Beaujolais, to find expressive, characterful wines based on Gamay Noir instead of Pinot Noir. And at reasonable prices available when you order wine online. 

Gamay is particularly associated with the Beaujolais appellation and its sub-regions like Fleurie and Moulin-À-Vent. Reputed as light and fruity, many winemakers are taking Gamay to new levels, making it an increasingly serious wine, while still remaining fruity and friendly on the palate. But Gamay has escaped the bounds of Beaujolais, and you will find intriguing examples of Gamay wines now made in California, including the Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County. 

What is Gamay Noir? 

The grape Gamay Noir is known for its thin skins and early ripening, which make it particularly suited to the Beaujolais’ rolling hills and moderate climate. First mentioned in the 14th century, this grape was initially overshadowed by its noble counterpart, Pinot Noir. The grape excels in the granitic soils of Beaujolais, which is actually a large Bourgogne subregion. The grape's history is one of adaptability and local dedication. winemakers have transformed it from a rustic variety into a celebrated symbol of Beaujolais' vibrant wine culture. 

Gamay Wines from Beaujolais 

This includes Beaujolais Nouveau, which truly exhibit marketing genius. These young wines offer a burst of red fruits—cherry, raspberry, and cranberry—complemented by floral notes of violet and peony. Such wines, however, do not express the full potential of the Gamay grape. 

Gamay wines offer fresh, lively flavors that capture the essence of each terroir. The wines from the ten Crus of Beaujolais, such as Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent, showcase a more profound expression, exhibiting huge depth and complexity, with layers of spice, earth, and minerality emerging alongside the bright fruit. 

Aged in oak and capable of cellaring, Cru Beaujolais demonstrates the true potential of Gamay Noir, offering a sophisticated yet accessible wine experience that continues to captivate wine lovers around the world. 

Gamay Comes to the Golen State 

Gamay's journey to California began in the mid-20th century. Pioneering vintners sought to expand the state’s viticultural horizons to new varietals. After a few rough decades, it became established in the cooler regions of the state, particularly in the Sonoma Coast and Sierra Foothills. 

Plenty of sun combined with cool air allows Gamay to achieve optimal ripeness, resulting in wines with a vibrant fruit profile, marked by the typical cherry, raspberry, and hint of spice found in the Beaujolais crus. Progressive California winemakers have embraced Gamay's potential, employing techniques such as carbonic maceration to enhance its fresh and fruity character. Today, California's Gamay wines show innovative spirit, offering a unique New World interpretation that honors the grape’s French heritage while highlighting the distinct terroirs here, home of the best wine store USA. 

Six Top Gamay Noir Wines  

From California:

• 2020 Donnachadh Estate Gamay from the Santa Rita Hills: This award-winning Gamay was fermented with a small percentage of whole clusters, which give it extra body. It was then matured over 10 months in neutral French oak. Wine Advocate notes that it offers scents of blueberry, red cherries, and tangerine with notes of dried herbs. “The palate is chalky and fresh with concentrated berry fruits and mouthwatering acidity.” This is a great food wine, with plenty of texture and brightness.
• 2022 Rocas del Rio Carbonic Red from Arroyo Seco in Monterey: This wine has 10% Greanche. It’s emphasis on carbonic maceration lends aromas of fruit punch, dried cherry and plum alongside rose petals.  The winemaker observes that the “strong daily winds that bring cool fog from the Monterey Bay allow the grapes to spend more time on the vine building flavor, complexity and acidity.” Expect some minerality.
• Outward Presqu'ile Vineyard Gamay Noir from the Central Coast: This wine offers typical red fruit but alongside earthy and herbal notes. Again, the cool climate of Santa Maria is critical, alongside the favorite technique of 100% whole cluster fermentation. You will find green and black tea, pink and white peppercorns, and baking spice that accentuate the red cherry and pomegranate. A delicious red wine bottle. 

From Beaujolais:

• 2021 Yann Bertrand Fleurie Vieilles Vignes: Made from organically cultivated grapes, this wine wine was made from old vines and then long-aged in old oak barrels. There was no use of commercial yeast or SO2.  The winemaker describes “a juicy style with ripe cherries, rose petal, potpourri and pepper. Low tannins and high acid are the epitome of old-vine Gamay." This wine shows what Fleurie can do!
• 2022 Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorees Beaujolais L’Ancien Vieilles Vignes offers great value when you buy wine online. Again, we see the importance of old Gamay vines to making quality Beaujolais. Made in the traditional “L’ancien” method with no carbonic maceration, expect to find layers of bright red fruit alongside peach, violets. The winemakers says it’s “dangerously easy to drink.”
• 2020 Alex Foillard Cote de Brouilly: The Côte-de-Brouilly lies just south of the Morgan appellation, hilly terrain and strikingly rocky soil imbue the Gamay with power and drive. The importer says this is no “dainty Beaujolais.” Alex Foillard creates wines of earthy texture with hints of intentional “good funk” alongside the Gamay fruitiness and “a note of iron.” This is another great food wine.