Inter Beaujolais is calling for entries to the third International du Gamay competition, which this year will also feature a new category for sparkling wines.

Open to any international producer creating wines from a minimum of 85% Gamay, the competition will be judged on January 19 in Lyon, by a panel of top winemakers, experts, merchants and critics, with the results released on January 28 during the Place des Vins Fair, Lyon.

Last year's competition saw a total of 169 medals awarded, including 36 Grand Gold (the highest accolade in the competition), 65 Gold and 68 Silver, which the organiser says is "proving to be a great tool" to raise consumer and trade awareness of the grape variety.

Inter Beaujolais marketing and communications director Anthony Collet says: "The success of the first two editions of our international Gamay competition proves an increasing interest for the grape variety, which we believe perfectly fits to the current trend for lighter, fruity wines also showing interesting complexity and true ageing potential."

The 2011 edition attracted over 600 entries from five different countries including Italy, Croatia and Switzerland.

For trade members wishing to apply to be part of the tasting jury, see the Wine Tasters Area section at concoursgamay.com.