The Annexation of Beaujolais - Wine & Spirits Magazine

The Annexation of Beaujolais

The Merchants of Beaune Embrace Gamay


photo of: Jean-Charles Boisset by Moanalani Jeffrey

In the late 14th century, the Black Death wiped out much of Burgundy’s population, leaving in its wake a devastated economy and a labor shortage. It was a time when locals began planting more gamay—a natural cross between pinot noir and gouais blanc—which was easier to grow, less labor-intensive…

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This story appears in the print issue of October 2017.
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