In 1395, Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, issued a royal decree banning an entire grape variety from his kingdom — calling it “the very evil and very disloyal plant.” The grape was Gamay, and its crime was simple: it was outcompeting his beloved Pinot Noir.
In this video, we break down the full story — why Gamay spread across Burgundy in the first place, what Philip did about it, and how the ban ultimately shaped two of France’s most iconic wine regions: Burgundy and Beaujolais.
We also cover Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, the centuries-old blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir that was officially recognized in 1937 and is still produced in Burgundy today — proof that even a 600-year-old ban has its limits.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just getting started, this is one of the most fascinating stories in wine history.
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2 Comments
The sweet taste of agricultural politics.
Great job!