I know my readers don’t want to hear about my birthday. Since I celebrate it all month long my friends may be tired of hearing about it. But for part of my Birthday Month celebration Mark and I attended a Beaujolais wine event at the Heathman in Portland.
This picture should give you some idea of how fun it was…
Think crab legs, shrimp towers, oysters, sweetbreads, carving stations, fancy dresses, and of course Beaujolais.
Now if you don’t really know what Beaujolais is… like so many European wine terms it is a place name. That place is in the southern part of Burgundy in France. The red grape grown is Gamay.
Pairing Beaujolais or Gamay Wine
The main point I want you to zone in on is food pairings. Did you notice how many seafood options and other foods were paired with a red grape? Gamay is very versatile. And Thanksgiving is upon us. If you need a wine that will work with a spread as varied as your family members, the Gamay grape is a great way to go.
Buying Beaujolais or Gamay Wine
When US winemakers bottle Gamay it will say the name of the grape on the label. When Beaujolais winemakers bottle it, the label will say Beaujolais, Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais Villages, or one of 10 villages (or crus) – (St-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly, or Côte de Brouilly) For more details see Meet My Sext Beau
Wines that say Beaujolais Nouveau are very light in color and tannin and usually very fruity. You can read more about them here Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrive They are not my favorite version of the Gamay grape. But there are many lovely affordable French Beaujolais and US Gamay wines.
Here are a couple faves from Oregon if you are local and can get your hands on one.
Willakenzie Estate 2015 Estate Grown Gamay Noir from Yamhill-Carlton in Willamette Valley ~$35
With enough oomph to add another layer to your dining experience without overwhelming. Rich ripe black fruits, earthy floral black tea notes, and an invigorating spicy black pepper bite.
Anne Amie Vineyards 2016 Twelve Oaks Estate Gamay Noir from Chehalem Mountain in Willamette Valley
Pretty red strawberry and raspberry fruits with earthy undertones, and dark notes of tobacco and tea.
Leave a Reply