It seems to me that the Gamay grape has been neglected for years. This zingy and rather joyful ‘fruitgum’ variety deserves far better.

Of course it’s the grape of Beaujolais and not many of us realise what marvellous rosé it can yield, when coaxed.

In the Loire Valley it was once the source of many a rather average, rather off dry pink that did it no favours.

But today tells another story.

Back in Beaujolais, this fascinating example has a bright pink glow like young, forced rhubarb and there is even a tantalising waft of that flavour on the palate.

It also has other tangy fruits like cranberry and loganberry on the palate. A Winter Pudding of a wine, as opposed to the strawberry and currants of a Summer Pudding.

But this is not a sugary experience at all: it’s perfectly balanced has just the correct acidity on the finish.

Try it with mackerel or salmon to appreciate the complex style.

About this Vineyard

Laurent Savoye is a member of a vanishing breed of Beaujolais vignerons, farming nine hectares of some of the steepest granitic hillsides in the region, with vines up to 100 years old. This multi-generational family estate, Domaine des Combiers, produces handcrafted wines from the Gamay grape across four appellations, including a beautiful Fleurie and the Beaujolais Rose des Granites. All grapes are harvested by hand and vinified using traditional warm fermentation, with no chemical fertilisers — just animal manure, as his ancestors did.

About The Author

I’m Rosalind and I’m here to talk to you about Rosé. Whether it’s your first choice or your last on a wine list, this site is for you. After years of writing about and tasting wine, there is something truly special to me about the pink stuff. On the Rose Report, I write reviews of the best Rosé Wines. You can find out more about me HERE.