Viticultural Information
Gamay noir
Description
Species: Vitis vinifera Gamay noir is now known to be a cross of Pinot noir and the ancient white variety Gouais, the latter a Central European variety that was probably introduced to northeastern France by the Romans. Gamay noir was grown in Burgundy for a long time, possibly as far back as the third century. It is an important variety of the Burgundy-Beaujolais region and Loire Valley in France and Valais, Switzerland. Otherwise, plantings of the true Gamay noir are very limited, including in California. The first true Gamay noir was imported into California in 1973. The vine is moderately vigorous with a semi-upright growth habit. Budbreak is Gamay noir has characteristics similar to, and is most often grown in the same manner as, Pinot noir. It is recommended for medium-fertility soils. Shot berries from cool weather during bloom can be a problem. Excessive cluster exposure can cause sunburn. Vigorous vines produce a large second crop.
People
Links
Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis is the source of Foundation grapevine material for the nursery industry, and the staff can provide information about possible sources for obtaining this stock. The National Grape Registry (NGR) contains information about varieties of wine, juice, and table grapes, raisins, and grape rootstocks available in the United States. Growers, nurseries, winemakers and researchers can find background information and source contacts for those grape varieties in this single convenient location.
Publications
Christensen, L. 2003. Gamay noir (PDF). Pages 62-65 in: Wine Grape Varieties in California. University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3419, Oakland, CA. Buy book
NGR Match
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