Gamay Noir is the grape variety of Beaujolais – an incredibly under-rated variety which has a growing number of ardent fans around the world. Here in New Zealand Te Mata have been producing their Gamay Noir for over 20 years building a loyal fan base for its juicy, red berried, softly textured style. Flavour, deliciousness and fun. Perfect with spicy foods or on its own. When the weather is warmer you can even chill it down.
Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"Wild strawberry, liquorice, watermelon and sherbet characters create the instant appeal of Gamay Noir ’23, an ultra-modern, flavour-packed, light-bodied red. Cherry-crimson in the glass, the wine’s lush palate is saturated by vibrant red berry fruit and candied apple. Quenchable and balanced with a refreshing acidity on the finish.
The unique ‘maceration carbonique’ fermentation, which enhances the fruit and floral aromas of the wine, was used for 65% of the grapes. The other 35% received a traditional, warm, red wine fermentation. The resulting wines completed their malolactic fermentation and were matured for eight weeks in seasoned French oak barrels, before blending and bottling."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
91/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2022 (2022 Vintage)
"Youthfully bright and instantly appealing with sweet cherry, subtle game, thyme and violet aromas, it’s juicy and finely textured in the mouth delivering succulent fruit intensity together with silky-smooth mouthfeel, finishing fleshy and delightfully refreshing. At its best: now to 2025."
91/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, July 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Dark cherry, ripe strawberry and spice, toasted hazelnuts with a bloody meat character. It’s juicy, a bit savoury too, with light tannin, spicy poached strawberries, bright acidity, and a finish of good length. In short, it’s a good glass of Gamay, more in to the ‘fun times’ zone, over serious structured style, but altogether pleasing in that way."
4 Stars Michael Cooper (2018 Vintage)
"A sort of red wine for white-wine lovers, the 2018 vintage is delicious young. Bright, light ruby, with fresh, berryish aromas, it is medium-bodied, vibrantly fruity and smooth, with strong, plummy, slightly spicy flavours, gentle tannins, and lots of youthful impact."