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Gamay - A variety on the rise

Alternative Variety Focus

It’s hard to think of a variety that holds more promise for the future in Australia than Gamay. A close friend of Pinot Noir, Gamay offers Pinot lovers an exciting alternative. Australia’s history with Gamay dates back to 1976 when it’s believed the great Len Evans was responsible for the first plantings in the Hunter Valley.

While Gamay is less fickle than its cousin Pinot Noir, it is still a cool climate variety. It has since found a happy home in various parts of Australia, with stellar examples from the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. In its native, Beaujolais can be a bit of a chameleon, ranging from rosé and bright and crunchy early-drinking wines to dark and structured offerings from the crus.

Examples from Australia tread a similar path with plenty of charming, bright red-fruited wines that are perfect for warm weather drinking, while some producers are looking for the detail, darker fruit and structure that the variety can so beautifully offer. Below we offer a dive into the fast-growing world of Australian Gamay.

Jump in to find wines that can be chilled to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day, or hit the spot in the search for an exciting alternative to Pinot Noir.

SHOP GAMAY