Beaujolais Nouveau Day | November 21, 2024
As the third Thursday of November approaches, wine enthusiasts around the world prepare for Beaujolais Nouveau Day—a vibrant celebration of the young wine produced in France’s Beaujolais region. If you’ve ever experienced it in a bustling restaurant, you know the energy is electric. By evening, waves of customers stream in, laughter and chatter fill the air, and the special wine flows freely. Chefs scramble to keep up as the ingredients dwindle, and soon the menu is picked clean. Why all this frenzy for a simple, young wine? The answer lies in the art of tradition and clever marketing.
The Story of Beaujolais Nouveau: A Celebration of Youthful Flavours
Beaujolais Nouveau owes its charm to the Gamay grape, a light, fruity variety grown in the Beaujolais area of Burgundy, France. The Gamay grape produces easy-drinking wines with bright, simple flavours. Harvested early and fermented quickly, Beaujolais Nouveau is ready to enjoy long before most wines, making it perfect for an annual celebration. Historically, Beaujolais villagers would bring their newly made wine to the local market, ready for sharing right after harvest.
Did you know? Beaujolais Nouveau has a faster production cycle, which allows people to enjoy a taste of the latest vintage while other wines are still aging. It’s a preview of the year’s harvest and a true “wine of the people.”
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A Global Craze Ignited by a French Visionary
In the 1960s, wine merchant Georges Duboeuf saw an opportunity to elevate Beaujolais Nouveau beyond a local event. He created a spectacle around the wine’s release, using fun, flamboyant marketing tactics to draw attention. Delivering the wine to Paris by elephant, hot air balloon, and even in a bathtub on wheels, Duboeuf created a buzz that captivated wine lovers worldwide. The idea took off — Beaujolais Nouveau (and the tradition of indulging in it on a specific day) spread worldwide. A global craze ensued. Beaujolais Nouveau was even auctioned off — who would pay the most for the “first glass of the year”? In 1993, a wine enthusiast paid $1,450 for a glass.
In 1985, the third Thursday of November was officially designated as Beaujolais Nouveau Day, cementing its place in the wine calendar.
Tips for Enjoying Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is an “unfinished” wine, often with a slight effervescence due to its short fermentation time. It’s meant to be enjoyed young, so don’t wait too long to open a bottle. Here are some tips to make the most of your Beaujolais Nouveau experience:
- Keep it Cool: Chill it to around 14°C (similar to a white wine) for optimal flavor.
- Pair with Casual Fare: This wine pairs wonderfully with barbecue—think grilled sausages or chicken. Its light body and fruity notes make it perfect for relaxed gatherings.
- Drink Responsibly: Beaujolais Nouveau has a tendency to go down quickly, so enjoy it in moderation and have some food to balance the experience.
Feeling inspired? View recipes to pair with Beaujolais-inspired wines!
Beyond Nouveau: Discovering the World of Beaujolais Wines
While Beaujolais Nouveau may be the star for a day, the Beaujolais region offers a range of wines for those looking for deeper flavours:
- Beaujolais Villages: A step up from Nouveau, these wines are light yet slightly more refined, with smooth fruit flavours. They can last a bit longer—up to a couple of years if stored well.
- Beaujolais Crus: These are the finest wines of the region, capable of aging for years and offering complex layers of flavour. Made in ten distinct communes, these wines bring a richness of taste with notes of spice, florals, and sometimes even smokiness. Look for names like Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent for a truly memorable experience.
Interested in wine from the finest vineyards? Learn more about Vin Bon Beaujolais-inspired craft wines!
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Wine isn’t just about tradition—it’s about discovering something that resonates with your unique taste. At Vin Bon Milton, we specialize in crafting custom wines tailored to your preferences. If Beaujolais Nouveau inspires you to explore more personalized flavours, why not try a handcrafted wine experience?
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