The most important facts about the Gamaret variety at a glance
- Gamaret is a new Swiss variety resulting from the crossing of the red Gamay variety and the white Reichensteiner variety.
- Originally bred as a dyer’s grape to give assemblages more color intensity, the Gamaret has long been convincing as a single-varietal red wine.
- This new variety brings an intensely colored red wine to the glass, which delights with expressive fruit aromas of dark berries, often accompanied by sweet spicy notes. Thanks to its well-balanced acidity and pleasant tannins, Gamaret is also a good red wine to drink on its own.
Origin, origins & significance of Gamaret
Development at the Swiss Federal Research Station for Plant Production
In 1970, André Jaquinet and Dominique Maigre bred the Gamaret variety by crossing the Gamay and Reichensteiner grape varieties at the Changins Federal Research Station for Plant Cultivation in Pully in the canton of Vaud.
After successful tests on more than 120 plots throughout the canton of Vaud, the registration for variety protection was granted in 1991 and the new variety was officially released for cultivation. In addition to Valais, where 100 hectares are cultivated, the grape variety is also cultivated in western Switzerland (Vaud and the canton of Geneva) and occasionally in Germany.
Characteristics of the Gamaret grape: growth, ripeness and yield
Popular with Swiss winegrowers as an early-ripening grape variety
Gamaret is known for its very high resistance to gray mould rot (Botrytis cinerea) and its early ripening. The grape variety sprouts at the same time as Pinot Noir and generally forms two medium-sized, relatively loose grapes with medium to small-berried, firm-skinned berries per shoot.
Due to its high resistance to gray mould rot, Gamaret is very popular with producers in Switzerland. However, for a high-quality wine, Gamaret requires at least a good location and should not produce too high yields in order to avoid herbaceous and scratchy notes.
Gamaret flavor profile
Taste and aroma
These red wines are deep dark with violet reflections and show beautiful fruit aromas of dark berries, accompanied by sweet spicy notes. The bouquet and aroma are southern spicy and well structured.
On the palate, it is dense and powerful with aromas of black fruits and strong tannins. The wine can be stored well and is characterized by a balanced acidity and pleasant, not too dominant tannins.
Gamaret and food: The best combinations
These wines are ideal with strong dishes, stews, terrines and spicy cheeses. But this red is also convincing with pizza and spicy dishes from Asian cuisine.
Interesting facts about the Gamaret
Here is an overview of important facts about the Gamaret grape variety.
What does Gamaret taste like?
Characteristics: This grape variety impresses with aromas of black berries and spices. With an intense, beautiful color, it is dense and powerful on the palate, delighting with aromas of black fruits and robust, strong tannins. Created in Switzerland in 1970 by crossing Gamay and Reichensteiner, this grape variety is early-ripening, high-yielding and disease-resistant.
Which grape variety produces white grapes?
These include Riesling, Chardonnay, Elbling, Blaufränkisch, Colombard, Bourboulenc, Furmint, Silvaner and Xinomavro. Other important white grape varieties are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chasselas and Muscat Blanc.
What grape varieties are there?
There are so-called trend varieties that are continuously gaining in importance and vineyard area. These include Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
How many different grape varieties are there?
Experts estimate that there are around 10,000 grape varieties worldwide. However, the exact number is unknown. Of these, only around 2,500 grape varieties are approved for winegrowing, and only around 50 of these are of global importance.
