gamay

noun

ga·​may ga-ˈmā 

ˈga-ˌmā

variants often Gamay

: a medium-bodied red wine that is known for its bright fruity flavors and modest tannins, that is often consumed without extensive aging, and that is notably produced in Beaujolais and Oregon

gamay rosé

also : the grape itself

Examples of gamay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Swiss wine is overshadowed by that of its neighbors, but thanks to a unique microclimate created by their proximity to Lake Geneva and the Rhone River, vineyards around Geneva produce world-class gamay (red) and chasselas (white) varieties. —Anna Haines, AFAR Media, 23 July 2025

Also, Domaine Bovy produces new grape varieties, like pinots gris, gewürztraminer, viognier, gamay and gamaret. —Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

This gamay comes from organic vineyards in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. —Eric Asimov, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025

These bottlings include a gamay and her first sparkling wine, from the Savoie grape mondeuse. —David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2024

Infinite Air Castles combines gamay and dolcetto into an Oregon echo of Beaujolais. —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, earlier gamet, going back to Middle French gaamez, after Gamay, village in St. Aubin commune (Côte d'Or), France

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above