Pinot Noir vs Gamay
Pinot Noir
A pale, high-acid red grape of red cherry and fine tannin, and the grape behind red Burgundy.
- Red cherry
- Pale color
- Fine tannin
Recognize it
Pale color with high acidity and fine tannin. Red cherry and raspberry are common fruit markers. Earthy and mushroom notes can develop with bottle age.
Gamay
Light body, fresh acidity, and low tannin in classic Beaujolais styles.
- Fresh red berry
- Low tannin
- Light body
Recognize it
Light body and low tannin with bright acidity. Red cherry, raspberry and violet are common. Banana and bubblegum, when present, are more associated with carbonic or semi-carbonic winemaking than with the grape itself.
How they compare
- SimilarPale, fresh and red-fruited.
- DifferenceGamay is usually lower in tannin and more overtly juicy or floral.
- SimilarPale color, high acidity and red fruit.
- DifferencePinot Noir is usually more tannic and structured.