Gamay is a purple-colored
grape variety used to make
red wines, most notably grown in
Beaujolais and in the
Loire Valley around
Tours. Its full name is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc. It is a very old
cultivar, mentioned as long ago as the 15th century. It has been often cultivated because it makes for abundant production; however, it can produce wines of distinction when planted on acidic soils, which help to soften the grape's naturally high acidity.