The 15th edition of the International Gamay Competition took place at the International City of Lyon on Saturday, January 11, 2025, gathering numerous tasters and a significant number of registered wines. A total of 727 wines from 4 countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, and Canada), all made from the Gamay grape, were tasted by 150 professional and amateur wine tasters.

Following the initial selection, a "grand jury" consisting of various experts (a sommelier professor, an oenologist, a wine tourism manager, a sales representative, and a cellar master) conducted a blind tasting of the gold medal-winning wines to select the "Best Gamay in the World". This year, the title was awarded to Beaujolais Villages Cuvée du Relais 2023 from Relais du Colombier.

 

The awarded Beaujolais Villages cuvée du Relais 2023

Award Highlights

  • 228 medals awarded this year:
    • 92 Gold
    • 136 Silver

The winning Beaujolais Villages Cuvée du Relais 2023 is described as a wine that is gourmet, balanced, fruity, and mineral. The intense color of this sunny vintage provides depth, making it both vibrant and structured. Despite high temperatures during the harvest, the vineyard's altitude (460 meters) preserved the freshness, resulting in excellent juice retention. Hand-harvested and traditionally vinified, the wine can be enjoyed immediately or aged for up to 5 years.

 

Details about Relais du Colombier

The estate, managed by Véronique and Laurent Ducrot, spans 7.5 hectares of vines on the slopes of Marchampt. The vineyard work is done manually, and Laurent has passionately vinified the terroir for 39 years. The estate also engages in wine tourism, offering guest rooms and hosting events throughout the year, including tastings and open days.

Nadia Missa - El Hanbali wine judge

Event Announcement

The trophy ceremony, including an aperitif and tasting, will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Relais du Colombier, 1190 Route de la Grand Combe, Colombier, 69430 Marchampt.

Photo Credit: Concours International du Gamay

Source: Inter Beaujolais