Level 2 · Wine & Spirits Exam Prep
Gamay
Light, fruity Beaujolais and its distinctive carbonic maceration.
Topics covered
- Beaujolais Nouveau
- Beaujolais crus
- Carbonic maceration
- Food pairing
Quick Revision
- Light body, low tannin, high acidity
- Red cherry, raspberry, violets
- Beaujolais = primary Gamay region
- Carbonic maceration = fresh, fruity style
- Beaujolais Nouveau: released 3rd Thursday Nov
- 10 Beaujolais Crus (Fleurie, Morgon etc.)
Key Facts for the Exam
- Light body, low tannin, high acidity; red cherry, raspberry, violets, bubblegum (carbonic maceration)
- Primary region: Beaujolais, southern Burgundy
- Beaujolais Nouveau: released 3rd Thursday of November, very young, fruity, made by carbonic maceration
- Beaujolais Crus (10 villages): Fleurie, Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Brouilly — more serious, age-worthy
- Carbonic maceration extracts fruit flavour with minimal tannin — produces the signature fresh style
- Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent are the most powerful, long-lived Beaujolais Crus
Level 2 Exam Tips
- 1.Carbonic maceration = Beaujolais style. This winemaking link is tested constantly.
- 2.Know at least 3 Beaujolais Crus: Fleurie (floral), Morgon (earthy), Moulin-à-Vent (powerful).
- 3.Beaujolais Nouveau release date = 3rd Thursday of November — a classic exam trivia question.
- 4.Gamay was famously banished from Burgundy by Philip the Bold in 1395 — Beaujolais fact.
Common Exam Mistakes
- ✗Thinking all Beaujolais is made by carbonic maceration — the Crus use more traditional methods
- ✗Confusing Beaujolais with Burgundy — they are adjacent regions but different styles and grapes
- ✗Underestimating Cru Beaujolais quality — Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent can age 5–10+ years
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Beaujolais Nouveau and why is it released on a specific date?
- Beaujolais Nouveau is a fresh, light red wine made by carbonic maceration and released just weeks after harvest — always on the third Thursday of November. The release date was established in 1951 to control the rush to market. It is a celebration of the new vintage and one of the world's most recognised annual wine events.