email this pageWe all need a house red wine to take us from Thanksgiving to the end-of-the-year holidays—a lively “go-to” wine that matches the merriment of the season. Clearly, this is no time for a deep, dark, brooding wine, so I say go for Gamay.
In France’s Beaujolais region, the Gamay grape gets made into loveable wines that simply brim with charisma.
Picking a bottle can be a bit tricky, as few will state “Gamay” on the label. And some of the top labels won’t even mention “Beaujolais.” Instead, the wines will be labeled by the region or village in which they’re produced. Serve these bright, refreshing wines slightly chilled (about 15 minutes in the refrigerator). And don’t confuse Beaujolais wines with Beaujolais Nouveau— the latter is a fresh, young wine that has its own pleasures, but with a simpler, less-serious appeal.
For hosting a houseful
(Around $10-$15):
Few wines bring so much charm for so little money.
- Georges Duboeuf Brouilly
- Georges Duboeuf Régnié
- Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages
- Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
($15-$20):
These are not bargains—but you’d expect to pay much more for wines with this much character and finesse.
- Joseph Drouhin Brouilly 2005
- Joseph Drouhin Moulin-à-Vent 2005
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