Gamay, the Star Grape Variety of Beaujolais

Gamay and Beaujolais are inextricably linked, so to speak. Ninety-seven percent of Beaujolais’s vineyard area is planted with Gamay.

Gamay is the only red grape variety permitted for Beaujolais AOCs; there are some secondary grape varieties that are allowed up to a limit of 15%, but these are white varieties.

Gamay and the Revival of Beaujolais

In recent years, Beaujolais wines have grown significantly in popularity. There are several reasons for this: first, the quality has never been higher than it is today. Second, their flavor profile aligns with the contemporary preference for freshness and drinkability. The third is a growing interest in natural wines. Beaujolais is likely the birthplace of this movement in France, and even worldwide.

In fact, just after World War II, Jules Chauvet, a wine merchant and producer based in La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, was not only an expert taster but also a renowned winemaker, chemist, and researcher. He stepped out of his laboratory to conduct experiments both in the vineyard and in the cellar. His motto: “The less you touch the vine, the better it thrives.” Thus, he advocated for organic farming even before it existed. If the grapes were ripe and healthy, interventions in the cellar were kept to a minimum, including sulfiting. As early as 1954, he developed the carbonic maceration protocol, which is still in use today and has since been adopted in many other regions. His most famous “disciples” are Marcel Lapierre, Yvon Métras, Jean-Claude Chanudet, and Pierre Overnoy. They, in turn, have passed on their knowledge to new generations of winemakers.

Beaujolais is an extraordinary region comprising a mosaic of over 300 different soil types. This results in a vast diversity of wines, grouped into 12 appellations. To be more specific, there are 2 regional appellations (Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages) and 10 crus: Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Régnié, and Saint-Amour.

To help you get a better idea, we’ve selected some signature Beaujolais Gamays that you should try to fully appreciate the diversity of the region’s terroir:

Our recommendations for the best Gamay wines from Beaujolais

Côte du Py 2022 - Jean Foillard: a future star!

It is still too early to judge this vintage from Morgon’s most renowned terroir. For now, you can appreciate its refined and elegant texture on the palate, despite the wine’s unusual density. And one can already sense the character and minerality that will only become more pronounced over time, just like the aromatic complexity. Patience!

Les Charmes 2021 - La Bonne Tonne: it certainly lives up to its name!

Wines from the Charmes sector, in the northwest of the vineyard, are often very appealing even when young. Add to that the finesse and freshness of the 2021 vintage, and the result is a wine that is already rich and irresistible.

Fleurie La Madone 2020: pure elegance!

Jean-Claude Chanut, known as Le Chat, is one of the few remaining disciples of Jules Chauvet still active today, although he has begun to pass the torch to his daughter Jeanne, a veterinarian by trade. La Madone is Fleurie’s largest vineyard: it produces a refined, airy wine with delicate floral notes. But don’t be fooled into thinking its beauty is fleeting: Le Chat’s wines age gracefully for several decades.

2021 Favorite - Domaine des Bertrand: It's amazing!

This Fleurie from the Bertrand family, made from vines over 60 years old, has more body than the previous wine, with ripe fruit, while retaining its floral notes. In short, it’s an intense, well-rounded wine that will charm you right now, but will be even better in 5–10 years.

Les Grillés 2021 - Pierre Cotton and Marie Bonnet: Opulence in Balance

We move on to Côte-de-Brouilly, with its south-facing vineyards on mid-slopes. The result is a more intense, velvety wine dominated by black fruit, stone fruit, and licorice. One might think we were further south if this wine didn’t have just 12% alcohol and such remarkable balance.

The Dad 2020 – The K Family: The Best Value for the Money!

This cuvée, made from the estate’s oldest vines, is produced by passionate new winemakers. In the Terres Dorées region, the clay-limestone soils lend the wine a Burgundian character, further enhanced by barrel aging. The result is a sweet, elegant wine with complex aromas and very subtle oak notes—one that might just win over those who usually turn their noses up at Gamay.

Recommended food and wine pairings for Gamay

Red wines made from Gamay grapes pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Beaujolais Nouveau is known for being a light, fruity wine. It is often enjoyed young, like “primeur wines.” It can be served as an aperitif or paired with vegetarian dishes such as savory tarts or mixed salads.

Meanwhile, Beaujolais wines from more prestigious terroirs that have undergone longer aging pair beautifully with red meat and roasted poultry—or, better yet, a pot-au-feu!

Don’t forget regional specialties such as Lyon sausage, pâté croûte, eggs in red wine sauce, or—for the more adventurous—pears in Brouilly.