Gamay Noir typically makes juicy low tannin wines that are fun to drink. Gamay originally comes from Beaujolais, an area south of Burgundy, where another low-tannin red grape, Pinot Noir, originated. BC makes quality Gamay Noir wines. I recently tasted the Haywire Winery Gamay 2021, which fits into this juicy berry, fun-to-drink category. Let me tell you about it.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Haywire Winery Gamay 2021 (BC $31.99)
From the winery, “100% Gamay fermented in small open-top tanks with twice daily punch downs for four weeks. 75% whole cluster for increased mid-palate weight.”
Appearance: A clear to the core, medium-plus garnet colour in the glass.
Nose: Medium-intensity aromas of red fruit, damped down sweet spices, black plums and blackberries, a touch of smokiness with swirling. No change to the aromas with decanting.
Palate: Lightly off-dry, light body with a lean mouthfeel. This wine has a light acidic prickle that almost has an effervescent feel. Juicy berries, red fruit and raspberries, plus a touch of floral and grape stem. Some stony minerality as well. Tannins are almost imperceptible. The only change I noticed with decanting is to add a touch of smokiness.
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with juicy berries, a touch of pepperiness, some bitterness, and raspberry jam. No change to the finish with decanting.
No need to decant as there was no big difference to the aromas and flavours. I did try this wine with roasted almonds in dark chocolate. It was a very nice, complementary pairing. I enjoyed the roasted nuttiness of the almonds with the berry flavours of the wine.
Rating: 
A wine that you can open and enjoy. Juicy berries on the nose and on the palate. Light body with a light acidic prickle on your tongue. No tannins of note. Medium-plus length.
Here is an article you can read if you want a deep dive into whole cluster fermentation and how it affects the flavours of a wine.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
You can purchase this wine online through the Haywire Winery website. It is available in Victoria at Everything Wine. It is also available at select Save-On-Foods stores.
