I was thinking about making a wine lovers gift guide for y'all but I saw that every content creator and their mother were making one so I thought, nahhh. I'll just give you the perfect wine recommendation for every single holiday event on your list:
Gamay.
It's the perfect grape. I said this on Thanksgiving and I'll say it again: but it's the perfect grape that has a place on every holiday table this season.
Gamay is known for its dry, easy drinking fruit juice-like quality. You may have also heard of this wine called by its French regional name: Beaujolais. (Remember: many wines are called by their regional name in France, not their grape varietal. Gamay being the signature grape of the Beaujolais region).
She's young and flirty and uncomplicated--not so serious, great for an impromptu bottle. Gamay's structure is one that isn't necessarily the bottle you want to leave in the cellar to age. Gamay often undergoes carbonic maceration (especially in Beaujolais), giving it it's fruity-juicy quality its known for.
Expect light, fresh tastes of bright fruit like cranberry and berries, as well as earthy bramble-y notes. Gamay is light on its feet, which makes it great for nights when the wine floweth. Light in texture and little tannin keep it from feeling heavy while also making it easy to pair with most foods (especially holiday favorites and classics).
ABV on Gamay can be anywhere from 10-12%, so she's light, fresh and should be served slightly chilled. This wine is not only great at any holiday function, but its a beautiful gift for wine lovers— a guaranteed crowd pleaser when you’re unsure of what to bring this season. You can find excellent bottles under $30
Here are a couple favorites to get you started:
Gamay Sans Frontières - juicy fruity, sexy fun.
Gamay Sans Toi - earthy berries
La Galouche - fruity, light.
Got others you love? Comment below <3
I never really warmed to the carbonic maceration Gamays. I prefer whole cluster fermentation without the Glou Glou intensity of CM. There are currently so many excellent Cru Beaujolais wines being made, and many of them are being exported to the U.S. Not only has the quality risen quite high, but so have the prices of the better wines. Now, the growers in Fleurie have applied for Premiere Cru status for specific lieu dits, much like Pouilly Fuisse already has. And check out the prices for Premiere Cru PF. Same thing is happening with top Beaujolais. I love the quality, but if I can't really afford them, then ....