Valdiguié

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Valdiguié is a red wine grape grown primarily in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, where it is generally known by the alias Gros Auxerrois. The grape is also grown in the U.S. state of California, where it has been known as Napa Gamay or Gamay 15 and where it was once thought to be the Gamay of Beaujolais. It is also grown in Gailliac where it is known as Brocol. It is a high producing vine that is fairly resistant to oidium. The grape produces dark colored wines that are low in alcohol. ^[1] The wines tend to be of light to medium body and are frequently made in a style similar to the true Gamay of Beaujolais. ^[2]

Some producers (such as J. Lohr) utilize carbonic maceration in order to produce a wine with a deep, purple-red color and fruity taste, with flavors of berries and black cherry.

Valdiguié in France has a reputation as a workhorse variety grown to attract grants from the European Union, who promptly turned it into industrial alcohol.^{[citation needed]} Napa Gamay is not related to the famous Gamay of Beaujolais, and the name is being phased out to avoid confusion. It will not be allowed on U.S. wine labels after 2007.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

1. ^ J. Robinson Vines, Grapes & Wines pg 204 Mitchell Beazley 1986 ISBN 1857329996
2. ^ Herbst, Ron and Sharon Wine Lover's Companion pg 222 (Barron's 1995)