Summer's favorite reds- Gamay and Pinot Noir

August 11, 9:43 AMWine ExaminerLeslie Cramer

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Whites are generally the presumed wines for summer (along with roses--not 'blush' wines but real roses) though a couple of reds hold up well to light chilling in summertime's steamy heat.

Gamay-    The gamay grape produces light wines, with inviting aromas of fruit.  They are ideal for young drinking.  Wines made from young gamay are generally fresh, especially if the grapes are grown in the granite-based soil of Beaujolais.  Besides the Beaujolais region of France, the gamay variety is grown in other parts of the country, too, the Loire Valley, Sancerre, and in the south, in Provence.  Top of the line Beaujolais' are the crus which should lay down for slighty longer; they range from light and scented to robust and medium-bodied.  The grape blends well with pinot noir, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon.  (Beaujolais Noveau is another posting entirely, coming to you , say, in mid November.)

Pinot Noir-    The medium-bodied pinot noir grape (and the taste of the wines it produces) varies immensely.  It is at its best in Burgundy where it produces distinct flavored red wines with the often unmistakeable smell of 'barnyard.'  It has great, long, fruity length on the palate.  Pinot Noirs may be wood-aged and high in alcohol, though the better ones are more elegant.  Some remarkable Pinots have emerged from Australia and other parts of Europe (specifically Italy, where the grape is called 'Pinot Nero.')  Pinot Noir is often a major component of champagne.

 I love this guy!  For more info: Try one (or a few) of each.