Gamay noir

Question 1

Gamay budding and ripening

Answer 1

Gamay Noir is:
- early budding
- early ripening

Question 2

Gamay weaknesses

Answer 2

• vulnerable to millerandage (in cold, damp and windy conditions)
• vulnerable to rot and, as stated, to wind (thin skin)
• susceptible to spring frost (early budding)

Question 3

Gamay acidity

Answer 3

• The wines produced are naturally relatively high in acidity (https://www.jancisrobinson.com/learn/grape-varieties/red/gamay)
• growers report it retains acidity despite warming climate

Question 4

Gamay yields

Answer 4

• Gamay is a productive grape
• yields need to be controlled for it to produce concentrated, ripe grapes
  (fertility controlled by reducing the number of buds)

Question 5

Gamay training system

Answer 5

in Beaujolais traditionally bush training (protection from wind)

increasingly trained on trellises to aid mechanization

Question 6

Gamay wines aromas

Answer 6

• medium/medium + intensity fresh red cherry, raspberry, red plum fruit
• intense fruit character (from better sites)
• green leafy character often seen in less-ripe examples
• red fruit
• characteristic kirsch and blueberry aromas typical of semi-carbonic maceration