Gamay freaks unite! And they/we do, across the globe, thanks to #gogamaygo. Check it out on IG. I believe the origins of it come from my friend Treve Ring but I’m not sure. And though the grape is popping up all over the world, the best stuff is from France. Particularly Beaujolais. Here are two French Gamays I got for like $15 each at Grapepoint Wines. With their chugability, freshness, and chill ways, they will have you saying, “Go Gamay Go!”
Go Gamay Go for $15 or Less
Beau! Beaujolais 2016
Un-beau-lievable value here. The front label says, “cool – red – wine” and I have to agree. (Well, the name’s pretty corny but that’s right up my alley.) Anyhow, it’s cool in the way Ray-Ban Wayfarers are as well as cool like “serve chilled.” Made from 40-year-old vines. Sealed with a screw cap, which is excellent.
Emile Balland En Attendant Les Beaux Jours 2016
This is a triumph over (climate) tragedy wine. A freeze in the Loire Valley destroyed 80% of buds on the vines at Emile Balland. So this Gamay cuvée made from purchased grapes expands the name of the winery’s “Les Beaux Jours” wines to add a “En Attendant.” Which now means, “Waiting for Beautiful Days.”
I wish I could be this poetic about a turn of events that hurt my heart and bottom line, but that’s why I’m some milquetoast wine blobber and people like Emile Balland persevere when the chips (grapes?) are down.
Read about a Cru Beaujolais with a label making me sentimental.
