Gamay is a purple-colored grape variety used to make red wines, most notably grown in beaujolais and in the loire valley around tours. its full name is gamay noir à jus blanc. it is a very old cultivar, mentioned as long ago as the 15th century. it has been often cultivated because it makes for abundant production; however, it can produce wines of distinction when planted on acidic soils, which help to soften the grape's naturally high acidity.

Source: Wikipedia