There's something special about ending the day on my front porch with a glass of wine in hand. This summer, my porch has become my favorite tasting room. It's the perfect spot for people-watching, enjoying the evening breeze, and admiring my hydrangea bush as it slowly begins to wind down for the season.
This week's wine fit that moment perfectly.
The 2025 White Gamay Noir from Fjord Vineyards is one of those wines that makes you stop and think, "Wait...this is made from the Gamay Noir grape?"
Most people associate Gamay Noir with the light, fruity red wines of Beaujolais. It's known for bright red berry flavors, lively acidity, and easy drinkability. But here, winemaker Matt Spaccarelli takes the grape in a completely different direction.
Instead of allowing the juice to spend time on the skins—as is done for red wine—the grapes were whole-cluster pressed directly into stainless steel tanks. Because the juice never had contact with the skins or seeds, it extracted virtually no color or tannins. After aging for one month in stainless steel, the wine was filtered and bottled, resulting in a beautifully fresh and expressive white wine made entirely from a red grape.
It's a reminder that winemaking is just as much about technique as it is about the grape itself.
In the Glass
On the palate I found:
- Crisp pear
- Bright lemon zest
- A delicate floral note
- Distinct slate minerality
- Refreshing acidity that keeps you reaching for another sip
The stainless steel fermentation preserves the purity of the fruit while allowing the mineral character to shine through. It's clean, energetic, and incredibly refreshing.
Food Pairings
Its bright acidity and mineral backbone make it a versatile food wine. I'd pair it with:
- Grilled shrimp or scallops
- Goat cheese
- Summer salads with citrus vinaigrette
- Lemon herb chicken
- Simply grilled vegetables
Or do what I did—pour a glass, head to the porch, and enjoy it without any food at all.
About Fjord Vineyards
While their tasting room is temporarily closed as construction continues on a beautiful new facility, you don't have to wait to enjoy their wines. This White Gamay Noir is available for purchase directly through the winery's website.
I can't wait to visit once the new tasting room opens, but until then, this bottle brought a little piece of Fjord to my front porch.
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