Gamay is a red wine varietal, originating from Burgundy in France, but also frequently grown in the Loire Valley. It’s commonly associated with the Burgundy appellation of Beaujolais, so much so that the names “Beaujolais” and “Gamay” have become almost interchangeable.
It’s a light-bodied, fruity wine and a great one to try if you’re a fan of Pinot Noir and want to try something a little bit different, and cheaper. It has very high acid, which has led to Gamay being perceived as harsh in the past. However, when it’s planted in acidic soil (which helps to temper the natural acidity of the grape) it can produce some remarkable wines.
As it’s a light-bodied red with high acid and almost zero tannins, Gamay pairs well with a wide variety of food. It’s also great as a Pinot Noir alternative and can be paired with a similar array of umami flavours.
Meat That Pairs Well With Gamay
The main thing to watch out for when pairing Gamay with meat is overpowering the light-bodied wine with an overly dense piece of meat. For that reason, it pairs best with lighter meats (in color and texture). Think along the lines of chicken, pork and turkey. Its low levels of tannin also qualify it for pairing with fish. Light white fish may clash with the tart fruit profile, but salmon and tuna steaks are a beautiful pairing option for Gamay.
Cheese That Pairs Well With Gamay
Mainly due to its high, palate-cleansing acidity, Gamay is wonderful with a whole range of creamy cheeses. Think about gooey, palate-coating cheese like Camembert or Brie – when you put them with an incisive Gamay, each bite will taste fresh. Any mild, semi-soft cheeses are also solid choices – Edam, Gouda, Swiss cheese or a mild cheddar.
Appetizers That Pair Well With Gamay
Gamay pairs well with a wide array of appetizers – particularly those with a lot of different flavours in one bite. Consider a charcuterie board, as the high acidity pairs well with cured meats and soft tangy cheeses. To match the red fruit flavours, you can also drink it with Caprese salad or bruschetta. Gamay will also cut through the rich flavours of shrimp starters or grilled vegetables.
Vegetarian Dishes That Pair Well With Gamay
Gamay is a versatile wine that can be paired with pretty much any vegetable dish – don’t be afraid to experiment and see which dish suits your taste the best. As with Pinot Noir, Gamay can have a delightful earthy undertone, which pairs well with mushrooms – think about a grilled Portobello, perhaps in a burger bun with some cheese and tomato relish. The wine’s bright acidity can also bring out the natural sweetness in a variety of roasted vegetables, like bell pepper or zucchini. For that reason, ratatouille is also a good pairing option.
Herbs That Pair Well With Gamay
To match Gamay’s tart fruits, consider using pungent and earthy herbs when you cook. Dill, thyme, rosemary and sage can all be utilized. You can include some lighter umami flavours, such as those that you find in shallots. Sweet, comforting baking spices are also an option: allspice, clove and nutmeg.
Food That Does Not Pair Well With Gamay
Stay away from foods that will overpower the tart fruit flavours of Gamay. Rich spicy foods like Indian curries or dishes with chili peppers will likely be too much for the wine to handle. The same goes for dishes with strong flavours that require a heavier red wine, like food with copious amounts of garlic or blue cheese.
Best Foods To Eat With Gamay
When you pick up a bottle of Gamay (which will often be from the region of Beaujolais), you can keep your options pretty open. Watch out for bold foods that can overpower the wine – other than that, it all comes down to your personal taste.
- Pork
- Turkey
- Mushroom burger
- Ratatouille
- Camembert or Brie
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