I went to a local wine shop today to get today's wine. Surprisingly, I was talked into a Gamay Noir from Beaujolais. Beaujolais is the southernmost region of Burgundy that produces almost exclusively Gamay Noir. This is one of those times I was glad to get out of my wine 'comfort zone,' and for once, I'm glad I didn't pick a Pinot.
My selection was the 2014 Raisins gaulois, produced by Marcel Lapierre. This producer prides itself on producing biodynamic, or natural wines, meaning no pesticides or fertilizers were used. Check out the website and learn more about natural wine making here: http://www.marcel-lapierre.com/#/vin_naturel
It's important to know that many Gamay wines are meant to be drunk at a slightly cooler temperature. Since they are generally low in tannins, this allows the acidity and fruity characteristics to be on full display.
The wine itself is a pale garnet color. After pouring, its high and fruity aromatics can hardly be contained by the glass. When it was cool and freshly poured, ripe strawberry, raspberry, tart cherry, and cranberry sneaking in with some stony minerality that's characteristic of the Morgon appellation in which it's grown. After warming a bit, the earthy, cedary notes and dried cranberry are more noticeable, along with red currants and a touch of rose petal. On the palate, it's dry, with a lot of raspberry, bright acidity and a light body. There was a touch of pomegranate and tart cherry in there, too. Red fruits are in complete control in this bottle.
For being only $14, this wine is a bargain. It has the ability to work with so many things (like holiday feasts) and offers more flavor than I would have ever expected. Cheers to Matt at Vine & Brew who recommended it. You can find it there (website: http://www.vineandbrew.com/) or at a shop that purchases from Kermit Lynch importers.
Pair this one with a holiday work party. It will stand up to different charcuterie plates and the typical fatty, cheesy snacks that you'd snack on before a meal or to avoid storied intoxication in front of your peers. Should you be forced to make small talk, try and pick out the nuances of this wine. Your look of concentration as you decide the condition of the cranberry notes will pass as genuine interest.
Should you want to learn more about Gamay, look here: http://winefolly.com/review/tasters-guide-to-gamay-wine/
Another awesome video on Burgundy can be found here: http://guildsomm.com/TC/learn/videos/m/videos/16280
More on Beaujolais can be found here: http://winefolly.com/review/beaujolais-wine-region-map/
If you HATE this wine, fear not: http://winefolly.com/update/easy-sangria-recipe/
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