Gamay
History
Gamay Noir is known as an ancient Burgundian variety and was first mentioned in texts at the end of the 14th century, when Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, literally disowned it, ordering it to be uprooted and outlawing its cultivation. In other words, he banished the variety to the granite soil in the Beaujolais wine region.
Gamay Noir probably got its name from the village located between St-Aubin and Chassagne Montrachet, thus confirming DNA research about it always having been a variety of Burgundian origin. Most probably, it is a natural hybrid of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, which is why it is also called Petit Bourguignon or Bourguignon Noir.
Where its grown
What its wine tastes like
Wine & food pairing
In its home country, it is the most widespread variety, cultivated on nearly 30,000 hectares, and is found not only in Burgundy, but almost everywhere in France. It enjoys the soil and climate of Southern Burgundy, next to Beaujolais, in the Rhone valley. It is also an outstanding variety in Switzerland, where it is often blended with Pinot Noir (the blend is called Dole) in Valais canton. It can be found in smaller quantities in England, Germany, California and Hungary as well. In Hungary, Gamay Noir is only cultivated in the Mátra Hills, on three hectares.