2012 International Competition of the Gamay Grape
A couple of days ago, I posted a video (sorry the video is in French) with an English translation, concerning the importance of contests that can speak positively about certain grape that usually are frowned upon by the wine snobs. The Interview that we did of Mr. Pascal Dufaitre, Oenologue of Chateau Pizay in the Beaujolais wine region, took place during one such competition which was held on January 14, 2012. The International Competition of the Gamay Grape at the Cité Internationale in Lyon France was the second edition of the contest that attracted wines from all over the world.
After Switzerland who last year’s honorary wine region, this year honors went to the Savoy. This area which extends to Haute Savoie, Isère and a little in the Ain department in France is best known for its white wines. It is fairly unknown that 30% of these wines are reds (15% Gamay and 15% of Mondeuse). The red grape of choice for the Beaujolais wine region, the Gamay is also grown in 32 countries.
The results from second edition were very encouraging. Indeed, they illustrate the tremendous potential of the Gamay grape that can produce wines of excellence around the world. Potential coming from countries like Croatia who won a Grand Gold medal and the Gold medal for Italy are very good illustration.
During the final results, we have 169 winners including 36 Grand Gold, 65 Gold and 68 Silver, in which 24 of these medals went to foreign growers (4 Grand 
Gold, 11 Gold and 9 Silver medals). The Swiss wines were rated amongst the best with tasters unanimously voting 22 medals (3 Grand Gold, 10 Gold 9 Silver medals).
As for the French wines, the producer regions present were Beaujolais, the Loire Valley, the Rhone Valley and the South West where 145 medals were awarded (32 Grand Gold, 54 Gold and 59 Silver). Congratulations to Anita & André Kuhnel for winning a Gold Medal for their AOC 2011 Chenas, Beaujolais!
To get the complete list of medals awarded go to: International Competition of the Gamay Grape
