The arrival of a new release from Oregon’s The Color Collector has us reflecting on how much we love the spirit of domestic Gamay.

American producers tend to lean into Gamay with great intention: strong farming, natural methodology, and a knack for preserving freshness. From joyous, juicy bottles to serious, whole-cluster bottles meant for the wine geeks of the world – it’s a category we love.

THE COLOR COLLECTOR

In pursuit of fresh, low alcohol wines - and a love for stories - Bethany Kimmel is farming Gamay on the Washington side of Columbia Gorge, and also working with old-vine parcels around Willamette Valley.

Intentional almost falls short as a descriptor for the winemaking here, which is done with minimal equipment (no pumps, and just a basket press). Hand-destemming removes the woody stems that hold together bunches, but includes tiny grape stems that still add texture and personality to the wine.

This release includes an especially high-wire 2021 Gamay, Bethany's signature silky NV blend of Gamays, and a special Vermouth: 

"Disastrous wildfires in 2020 rendered some of my red wine too smokey to bottle. But it forced me to break habit and learn something new... Björnson Vineyard Gamay infused with botanicals, some of them wild harvested, sweetened with honey from my bees and fortified with Temperance Hill Pinot brandy distilled by Stone Barn Brandyworks." - Bethany

For more: check out our chat w/ Bethany during the 2020 vintage

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MORE GAMAY!

Jean-Louis Dutraive vibes from AMEVIVE: whole-cluster vinification with a touch of spice from the stems. Organic farming and small production in Los Alamos, CA.

A serious-yet-uplifting Sonoma County Gamay from PAX WINE CELLARS

SCAR OF THE SEA's purple-fruited and lifted Gamay from among the palm trees in San Luis Obispo

OUTWARD WINES ultra-juicy and bright Santa Barbara Gamay