Nourish - November 2017

GAMAY

I

If you say ‘gamay’ aloud, it sounds

more like a complicated croquet

manoeuvre than a grape variety. From

the same area of France where the

far sexier-sounding pinot noir and

chardonnay are grown, gamay has long

been maligned as an inferior grape,

so much so that most people have

never heard of it. Fortunately, this is

starting to change. With an increase

in imported and locally produced

gamay appearing on the shelves, it is

time to become acquainted with this

versatile, affordable, and very food-

friendly variety.

Gamay originates from the

Burgundy region in Eastern France.

It is directly related to pinot noir

and depending on the winemaking

technique, can taste very similar.

In the 14th century it was grown

throughout Burgundy, often instead

of pinot noir, because it was much

easier to grow. During his reign as

the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the

Bold took an immense dislike to

this gentle grape and banned it from

the region. Just south of Burgundy-

proper is Beaujolais, which at the

time was ignored by Philip because

the winemakers of Beaujolais were

really only making wine for local

consumption. The hardy little gamay

Get in the

GAMAY ORIGINATES FROM

THE BURGUNDY REGION IN

NORTHEASTERN FRANCE.

There’s a lot to love about this fruity red

varietal. For one, it’s perfect for summer.

Words: NICOLE BILSON

Photography: THINKSTOCK, SUPPLIED