One of the three grape varieties used to make wine in Châteaumeillant, a Loire Valley AOC, Gamay is famed for creating wonderfully light-to-medium bodied red wines with a beautiful purple hue and glorious floral and fruity aromas and flavours. This, together with its natural acidity, makes Gamay a really versatile wine, which can be paired with a surprisingly wide variety of foods.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best foods to enjoy Gamay wines with:

1. Fish and seafood

Normally, when we want a wine that goes with fish, we automatically reach for a bottle of white.

However, because of its high acidity, Gamay is the perfect wine partner to contrast with an oily fish such as salmon or tuna.

Indeed, it goes really well with a whole range of seafood, including lobster and mussels.

So next time you fancy a fish supper, swap your usual white wine for a glass of Gamay (ideally from Châteaumeillant, of course!). We promise you won’t be disappointed.

2. Charcuterie

Gamay also goes really well with fatty or salty meats, such as those found on a charcuterie platter.

It also tastes marvellous with cold leftovers from your Christmas dinner – you heard it here first!

3. Cheese

A lovely fruity Gamay is the perfect partner for a wonderfully creamy cheese. Think an oozing Brie or even a Saint-Nectaire.

It is also delicious with the local goat’s cheese. Coincidence? We think not.

4. Enjoy Gamay as an aperitif

If you’re looking for a red that would work well as an aperitif before your meal, Gamay is perfect. Its low tannins and high acidity mean that it is easily drinkable on its own or with a range of different nibbles for your apéro. 

Plus, it’s so versatile, that you could even carry it on through the starter and into the main course, if you wished!

5. Our picnic wine of choice

Due to its amazing ability to go well with a really wide variety of foods, including cold meats, cheese and even strawberries, Gamay has to be our picnic wine of choice.

So next time you’re on the lookout for a bottle of wine to take on a romantic picnic lunch, why not try a Gamay?

Tasting wine on a wine tour around Châteaumeillant

If we have whet your appetite, why not book your Vineyard Tour around Châteaumeillant, a Loire Valley AOC and one of France’s best-kept secrets? We look forward to showing you around!

Want to learn the secrets of how to taste wine before you head out on your tour? Take a quick peek at our Ultimate Guide to Tasting French Wine.