The 13th International Gamay Competition was held at the Cité International in Lyon on Saturday 14 January 2023. 729 Gamay wines from 4 different countries were competing for the title of “World’s Best Gamay 2023”. And just like in 2022, the trophy was awarded to an AOC Beaujolais cuvée.
-> Learn more about the 12 Beaujolais appellations
A panel of 168 tasters
168 tasters – wine experts or informed enthusiasts, blind-tasted the various cuvées and awarded medals (gold and silver) to the most deserving wines.
After the tasting, a “super jury”, comprising 5 experts (two sommeliers, an oenologist, a cellar master, and an experienced enthusiast), tasted a smaller selection – the gold medallists. This “super jury” then judged the shortlisted wines to determine the “World’s Best Gamay” 2023.
229 medals were awarded to the best Gamays
Overall, the panellists awarded 229 medals, including 119 gold and 110 silver after the tasting. Furthermore, Switzerland’s best wine received a special mention: AOC Geneva, Domaine de la Planta, La Révolution 2021, 100% Gamay.
-> Learn more about the Gamay variety.
-> To view the full list of winners, click here.
© V. Berlanda
The “World’s Best Gamay” 2023 is a Côte de Brouilly
The trophy for the “World’s Best Gamay” 2023 was awarded to the Côte de Brouilly 2020 from the Nicole & Romain Chanrion estate.
Winemakers for 8 generations, the Chanrion family cultivates 7 hectares of vines on the slopes of Mont Brouilly. Nicole Chanrion, who studied at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune, rediscovered her roots in the Beaujolais region when she took over the family estate in 1979 after working in Napa Valley in California. She was one of the first women to become a winemaker and manage an estate.
Her son, Romain Chanrion, was initially an engineer in the energy sector, but in 2014, he decided to fully focus on his passion by gradually joining the estate.
Photo: Romain and Nicole Chanrion © Beaujolais Wines, E. Ramousse
Clearly, the award-winning wine is a true representation of the character of Côte de Brouilly 2020. As a matter of fact, several lieux-dits are brought together in this cuvée: Les Crozes, Chardignon, Godefroy, Le Pavé and a small plot in Brulhié, covering various slopes of the hill. First, it is thanks to a plot-by-plot approach to the winemaking and ageing processes that the specificities of these terroirs are revealed. Next comes the blending process, which gives strength, elegance, freshness, and minerality to the wine, while maintaining a perfect balance.
Romain Chanrion said: “the year 2020 was marked by an intense heatwave on the Brouilly hill. We therefore had to adapt, whilst remaining true to the fundamental principles of traditional Beaujolais winemaking (semi-carbonic maceration and ageing in oak casks). And in this context, many details are important. Fortunately, the correct formula was found. We are delighted about that!”
The selling price, including VAT, of this very popular cuvée: around €20. (contact the estate)
-> For more information, read the official article about the International Gamay Competition.
