I am definitely NOT in any way, shape or form a wine expert, however, we do like to enjoy an occasional glass and love trying new varieties of both red and white wines.
We discovered Beaujolais Nouveau about 7 or 8 years ago, and ever since have made an effort to pick up a couple bottles before it quickly disappears for another year.
If you are like we were, and unfamiliar with this wine, here is a little background information -
As the clock strikes midnight on the third Thursday of November, the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, is released to the world! Over 60 million bottles make the trek to Paris for worldwide distribution. This is a young wine (only 6 weeks old), grown from the Gamay grape, and is very fruity, light-bodied, and virtually free of tannins making it an easy-to-drink red wine and contrary to most reds, this wine is best served chilled.
According to a French law passed in 1985, Beaujolais Nouveau may not be released earlier than the third Thursday of November. As a result, tradition and custom have set in to make the annual release race of this much loved wine a fun-filled event. Starting with the hand-picking of the grapes in the Beaujolais growing region (part of Burgundy), followed by carbonic maceration, pressing, and fermentation and on to speedy bottling all to culminate in the midnight release on the third Thursday of November.
Beaujolais Nouveau is typically meant to be consumed within the first year of release, certainly not a wine that is intended for aging. Some of the top producers of Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau include: Georges Duboeuf {my personal favourite}, Domaine Yvon Metras, Jean-Paul Thevenet, and Louis Jadot to name but a few.
Have you heard of Beaujolais Nouveau? Have you ever tried it? Will you be trying this wine next year?
Do you suppose there’s still a chance for me to get some this week?Know where they had lots? I’d love to try a new wine.
Kathy at Oak Lawn Images
Kathy, they often sell out quickly but you could ask next time you’re at the NBLCC, they could tell you if anyone in the area still had some.