Gamay Noir

[Ga-May NWahR] Originating from France and almost lost to history when in 1395 the varietal was banned from being planted in the Burgundy region of France so as not to compete with Pinot Noir, the vine found a new home in the south of the Beaujolais region. Grown in many types of soils, Gamay Noir tends to prefer lime or granite soils, lending to its success in South Africa. It is a productive and rather vigorous vine and often requires thinning of the crops in order to increase the quality of the wine produced from the grapes. Generally purple in colour, wines made from this varietal are typically light bodied, fragrant, fruity and floral. These wines should be consumed quite soon after production.