Bourgogne Gamay

I mentioned in a blog entriy a few days ago that Bourgogne Gamay was made from the Beaujolais grape. I later found out that it was a new appellation from 2011, just like Coteaux Bourguignons. This new Burgundian appellation is basically allowing the Cru Beaujolais to be labelled as Burgundy again, but emphasizing the Gamay component (minimum 30%). Only fruit from Cry Beaujolais can be used (and there is a question of whether the youngest Cru - Regnie is included or not).

In the same overhaul of the wine law regarding burgundy and Beaujolais, the whites wines of the Beaujolais have been split into some continuing to be labeled as Bourgogne Blanc whilst others have to be labelled as Beaujolais Blanc. More details about the Beaujolais wine law revamp can be found in this Decanter article.

Cru Beaujolais at a chain retailer

Most people associate Beaujolais with the Nouveau wine and the Beaujolais Nouveau promotion campaign, but there is much more to Beaujolais than Nouveau. So it was quite gratifying to find such a display at a chain retailer, not only the gold labeled Bourgogne Gamay (which many may not realize is made with the Beaujolais grape) but also 4 out of 10 crus - Fleurie, Morgaon, Chiroubles and Regnie. Looking it up on the map these four crus are actually next to each other - from north to south they go in this order: Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon and Regnie.

Fleurie is light and though not as light as Chiroubles (which can be a good introduction to people who have only tried Nouveau only). Morgon is sturdy and full bodied and can age for some years (especially wines from the Cote de Puy vineyard location), whilst the youngest cru of Regnie had both fruit and structure aplenty to please.