Gamay goes global

Switzerland and Croatia held their own against France, winning top prizes at the second annual International Gamay Competition.

In total more than 600 entries from four countries took part in the event, which was hosted by Inter Beaujolais in January at the Cité Internationale de Lyon and judged by a 140-strong panel of professionals, including oenologists, sommeliers and journalists.

Of more than 37,000 hectares of Gamay currently in production across 32 countries worldwide, 23,000ha are in Beaujolais. This was reflected in the Competition results, which saw the region awarded a total of 24 Grand Gold medals within its total haul of 107.

However, of the 169 medals awarded overall, 24 went to wines from outside the variety’s French heartland, with 22 going to Switzerland. Croatia also took home one of the 36 Grand Gold medals, while Italy won a Gold.

Emphasising that “Gamay fits to today’s consumer expectations perfectly,” Inter Beaujolais marketing & communications director Anthony Collet remarked: “As a trend towards lighter styles becomes more apparent, Gamay offers wines that are not only vibrant and fruity but can also possess a wonderful tannic backbone, ideal for ageing. It is a grape that truly shows its terroir and surroundings.”

For full details of the Competition and results, visit http://www.concoursgamay.com/