My family is big on tradition, and as a result, so am I. So when I celebrated the release of Beaujolais Nouveau on one of my trips to Paris, I quickly added it to the list of traditions my family would celebrate.
What is Beaujolais Nouveau?
Beaujolais is a province located north of Lyon, France known for its wine-production. Nouveau is a French term that translates to new. And unlike most red wines that are made from aged grapes, Beaujolais Nouveau is a celebrated wine from the Beaujolais region released every year on the third Thursday of November in France according to French law, it is a bright, fresh red wine made from the Gamay grape and bottled just at the end of harvest. And unlike most red wines, this one is typically served chilled.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a young wine, usually only 6-8 weeks old and tends to taste more like ripe berries and tropical fruits. It offers aromas of berries including wild strawberries, currants and exquisite scents of raspberries. Since they are processed differently than other red wines, they tend to be less dry than most.
The fruity flavor of the Beaujolais Nouveau is a perfect compliment to holiday celebrations, which is great since it si meant to be drunk as soon as possible. And in keeping with the French celebration of its release, it’s a perfect inexpensive wine to enjoy with friends during the holidays.
History of Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is made from the Gamay grape, which is a cross between the Pinot Noir grape and an ancient white variety Gouais, the latter a Central European variety that history claims was probably introduced to northeastern France by the Romans. The Gamay grape ripens earlier than Pinot Noir and is less difficult to cultivate. So Beaujolais had always made a vin de l’année to celebrate the end of the harvest, which until WWII had only been for local consumption. It wasn’t until 1951 when the Union Interprofessionnelle des Vins du Beaujolais (UIVB) formally set November 15th as the release date for what would henceforth be known as Beaujolais Nouveau. And then in 1985, the date was changed to the third Thursday in November which is probably why in the US, Beaujolais Nouveau has become known as a Thanksgiving wine.
So now that you know why it has become one of my family traditions, aren’t you curious?
Where can you get it?
Beverage Mart
3482 Cobb Pkwy NW
Acworth, Georgia, 30101-4014
phone: (770) 529-3027
Total Wine
740 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy #500
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Phone:(678) 354-0168
Remember to not drink and drive.