Gamay is a purple-colored grape variety primarily used in the production of red wines. Its full botanical name is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc. It is considered a very old cultivar with historical records dating back as far as the 15th century.
The variety is most notably cultivated in the Beaujolais region and in the Loire Valley near Tours. While it is frequently grown for its ability to provide abundant production, it is capable of producing wines of distinction when planted in acidic soils, which serve to soften the grape's naturally high acidity.