Wine, the Journey So Far pt. 3

(I do not own the rights to this picture)

Gamay is a purple-colored grape variety used to make red wines, most notably grown in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours. Its full name is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc. It is a very old cultivar, mentioned as long ago as the 15th century. It has been often cultivated because it makes for abundant production; however, it can produce wines of distinction when planted on acidic soils, which help to soften the grape's naturally high acidity. - source Wikipedia-

On a recent trip to Total Wine & More, one of their wine experts recommended that I try a 2009 Beaujolais Cru. He had seen me perusing their rather paltry offerings of Bonarda and thought I would like either Beaujolais Cru or Cabernet Franc. After a brief glance of both varietals I opted for the Cabernet Franc only because I have had red blends with Cabernet Franc and at the time knew nothing about Beaujolais-Cru or the Gamay grape. Hindsight is 20/20 and I now wish I had gone the other route.

I purchased a few bottles of Beaujolais-Villages over the last two weeks and boy was I eves surprised at how much I enjoy this varietal. I’ve done some research now on the grape, Gamay, and on the wines that feature this grape. While the Beaujolais-Villages is not as complex, proud, and revered as the Beaujolais Cru, it comes in a close second. And I am finding myself enjoying this grape for reasons that other reds just can’t satisfy.

So another side of my palate is coming to maturity. That of the side that enjoys lightly-tannic, red wines that are less fruit forward with a nose that has more floral tendencies rather than fruit tendencies. I usually go for the big, bold red, something that you would drink with a great big steak, barbecue ribs, or a juicy burger. Beaujolais-Villages is a red wine that falls into the exact opposite category. That’s not to say that it’s a “sissy” wine or a flat, tasteless wine. In fact, it actually seems more complex than Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Malbec. The flavors that come across or more fleeting and delicate, and the wine itself can be hard to pair with food. But it is extraordinary when consumed by itself. This is truly a wine to savor on its own.

One of my favorite things about Beaujolais-Villages is that it’s a rather refreshing wine. Sometimes a red wine can be more “filling”, overwhelm my palate or just end up being too “heavy”. Beaujolais-Villages does not have that problem whatsoever. It feels and tastes light, but with a nice complexity and flavor transitions that are very pleasant. I have come to enjoy the aroma and flavor of flowers just as much as I enjoy wines that feature spice box aromas and flavors.

So my new favorite “go-to” wine on a given night is a nice Beaujolais-Villages. Now I understand that Beaujolais Cru will taste different, and I intend to sample a few bottles of Beaujolais Cru in the coming month, but Beaujolais-Villages is a good enough wine for me right now. According to wine experts the 2009 vintage of either Beaujolais-Villages or Beaujolais Cru is the best that has been produced in years due to a rather hot summer with little rain. The vines produced grapes of superior quality and ripeness for this sweet, small thick-skinned grape. I would say stock up on wines featuring the Gamay grape and of the 2009 vintage. Though you should definitely sample them rather than randomly buying a case as there are still a few “loser” bottles out there.

In all, this part of my journey with wine has been educational, as well as eye opening. My palate has once again been broadened where wine is considered. I’ve learned to love another red wine, this one light bodied from the Old World, specifically France. And I’ve found yet another wonderful wine to drink after a hard day at work. I would have to say my journey’s coming along quite nicely. What about yours?