Gamay Nouveau
Gamay Nouveau
Gamay Nouveau
Gamay Nouveau

Gamay Nouveau

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The return of a tradition.

Every November, wine lovers around the world celebrate the arrival of Nouveau, the first wine released from the new harvest. Crafted and bottled just weeks after harvest, Gamay Nouveau captures the vintage at its most youthful: vibrant, expressive, and unapologetically fresh.

For more than five decades, Gamay Noir has been part of the story of Chateau Grand Traverse and Old Mission Peninsula. The return of Gamay Nouveau in 2026 celebrates that legacy while marking the inaugural vintage of Winemaker Virginia, who revives this classic winemaking tradition as the first new chapter of her tenure. We look forward to celebrating each new vintage through this annual release for years to come.

Produced from 100% estate-grown Gamay Noir, whole clusters undergo traditional 100% carbonic maceration with inoculated yeast before the wine completes fermentation in stainless steel. This classic technique allows fermentation to begin within intact berries, preserving lifted aromatics, silky texture, and the exuberant fruit character that defines Nouveau.

Released each year on the third Thursday of November, Gamay Nouveau offers a fleeting opportunity to experience the vintage before time leaves its mark. Produced in exceptionally limited quantities, it is intended to be enjoyed in its youth, around the Thanksgiving table, alongside holiday gatherings, and whenever the arrival of a new vintage calls for celebration.

Why You'll Love It

  • The earliest expression of the 2026 vintage
  • Crafted using traditional 100% whole-cluster carbonic maceration
  • Estate-grown on Old Mission Peninsula
  • Produced once each year in limited quantities
  • Celebrating more than five decades of Gamay Noir at Chateau Grand Traverse

Vintage: 2026

Varietal: Gamay

Harvest Date:

Alcohol: 11.5

Sugar:

Aging: 100% Carbonic Maceration

Appearance: Brilliant ruby with violet hues

Aroma: Fresh raspberry, Bing cherry, wild strawberry, crushed violets, subtle confectionery notes

Taste: Juicy cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, vibrant acidity, refreshing finish

Mouthfeel: Silky, supple, and lively with soft tannins and bright freshness

Body: Light to Medium

Omnivore Recipe(s): Roast Turkey with Herb Butter & Cranberry Compote

Vegetarian Recipe(s): Wild Mushroom & Gruyère Galette

Vegan Recipe(s): Roasted Delicata Squash with Lentils, Cranberries & Sage

Terroir Insight

The fruit for our Gamay Nouveau is sourced exclusively from Block 19, a mature estate vineyard planted in 1988 on Old Mission Peninsula. Established during the earliest years of commercial Gamay Noir cultivation in the United States, these vines have spent nearly four decades adapting to the peninsula's unique climate and glacial soils.

Positioned to benefit from the moderating influence of Grand Traverse Bay, the site enjoys cool autumn evenings that preserve natural acidity while allowing fruit to develop vibrant aromatics and balanced ripeness. The region's well-drained glacial soils encourage deep rooting and consistent vine balance, producing fruit that is expressive of both variety and place.

For Gamay Nouveau, Block 19 offers an ideal combination of bright fruit, freshness, and natural acidity, qualities that allow the traditional carbonic maceration process to showcase the purest expression of the vintage.

Cellaring Note

Unlike wines intended for long-term cellaring, Gamay Nouveau is produced to showcase the earliest expression of the vintage. Enjoy within 6–12 months of release for its freshest fruit, brightest aromatics, and most vibrant character.

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