The Gamay grape is used to make some of the world’s most incredible red wines, but it is not as widely known as it should be. It is most commonly grown in Beaujolais, a region in the far south of Burgundy and one of France’s most famous wine producing regions. It seems that this is where the confusion comes from; instead of being named for the grapes, the wines follow Old World traditions and take on the name of the region. Every time you have had a Beaujolais, you are drinking the Gamay grape.
Gamay wines have very similar characteristics to the more famous Pinot Noir. The fact that the grapes are not so widely recognised means that their wines are much more affordable than their more well-known cousins. As a result, careful buyers can choose a beautiful product that has all of the taste and flavour they are looking for and make savings at the same time.
Of the many varieties of Beaujolais wines on offer, Fleurie wines are amongst the most highly regarded. The wine is produced in a single town and falls under the “Cru Beaujolais” appellation, meaning it is amongst the highest quality products made in the region.
The 2012 Fleurie from Domaine Manoir du Carra is amongst the best on the market if you’re looking for a delicious, medium bodied red wine that is as tasty as it is affordable. Manoir du Carra has been producing wines since 1850 and works hard to preserve the traditions of the region. Only a few new technologies are used to make the wine, and only in areas where they can have a real benefit on the taste.
The Gamay grapes used to make the 2012 Fleurie come from old vines, delivering a fantastic amount of flavour. Instead of crushing the grapes, the wine is made using a type of semi carbonic maceration which uses full bunches and carbonic gas. The result is a very fruity wine with strawberry and red cherry f
lavours. It also means the wine has gentle tannins, making it very easy to drink.
