Valdiguié is a redwinegrape grown primarily in theLanguedoc-Roussillon region of southernFrance, where it is generally known by the aliasGros Auxerrois. InCalifornia it has been known asNapa Gamay orGamay 15. Until 1980 Napa Gamay was believed to be theGamay ofBeaujolais,[1] but following genetic analysis the name "Napa Gamay" has been banned from U.S.wine labels since June 23, 1997.[2] Confusingly, both thePinot noir cloneGamay Beaujolais and Valdiguié were sometimes also labelled as "Gamay Beaujolais" until that name was banned on labels in April 2007.[2]
Other synonyms include Valdiguer, Cahors, Jean-Pierrou at Sauzet, Quercy and Noir de Chartres.[1]
Valdiguié was first commercially propagated in 1874,[1] although its origin is unclear. There are three main theories :
It produces medium to large conical clusters of dark blue-black fruit. It is a high yielding vine that is fairly resistant tooidium (powdery mildew).
Valdiguié produces dark colored wines that are low inalcohol.[4] The wines tend to be of light to medium body and are frequently made in a style similar to the true Gamay of Beaujolais.[5]