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Beaujolais nouveau has arrived!

21/11/2024 Production area , Winemaking

Each year, when the calendar marks the third Thursday of November, a wave of excitement sweeps through the wine world. The reason? The release of Beaujolais nouveau, a wine that arrives with an aura of celebration, freshness, and, of course, a generous dose of fun.

What is Beaujolais nouveau?

Beaujolais nouveau is a young red wine, also known as vin primeur, crafted from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France. What truly sets it apart is its ultra-rapid production process: from harvest to bottle, everything happens within a few weeks.

It is produced using a winemaking technique called carbonic maceration, which involves fermenting whole grape clusters in an environment with minimal oxygen, allowing fermentation to occur from within each grape. This process yields young, fruity red wines with vibrant colours and fresh flavours, brimming with notes of fruits like raspberries and cherries, light in tannins, and perfect for enjoying shortly after production, capturing the essence of the freshly concluded harvest.

A bit of history

In 1951, local winemakers secured the right to sell their wines before the legally established date of December 15th by the appellation. The aim was to sell a lot and cheaply, achieving resounding success.

George Duboeuf, a Beaujolais vigneron, realized the potential of this amiable and easy-to-drink wine and, to boost its consumption, he created a contest in the early 1960s to see who could bring the first bottle to Paris faster than anyone else.

This race quickly spread throughout Europe, reaching America and Asia in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, the famous phrase Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé! announces the arrival of this wine simultaneously in countries around the world.

Its success is such that a third of the wine production in Beaujolais is dedicated to the creation of this young wine, which is sold in around 110 countries worldwide.

The advertising frenzy

The launch of Beaujolais nouveau is not just an oenological event; it is a media spectacle. From Tokyo to New York, bottles of Beaujolais nouveau arrive in shops and restaurants with almost feverish anticipation. The labels are often colourful and festive, and launch parties, featuring tastings and special events, are held in many locations. This wine has achieved something few wines can: becoming a global phenomenon.

Why is Beaujolais nouveau so famous?

Beaujolais nouveau is light, fruity, and fresh, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an uncomplicated and easy-to-drink wine.

Its release in November makes it ideal for end-of-year festivities, and it is when it is at its best! This young and vibrant wine pairs perfectly with dishes served at Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas party.

Beaujolais nouveau wines are not meant to be stored, so you should open them soon and, if possible, enjoy them with a touch of freshness. Total madness!

The other side of the coin

The fame of the Beaujolais vineyards may be attributed to their amiable and fun young wines known worldwide, but fortunately, their potential does not solely lie in the ceremony and festivity that each vintage of these "new wines" represents.

In Beaujolais, there are 12 appellations encompassing 10 Crus with distinct styles and personalities. You might be familiar with names like Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Brouilly, or Morgon, areas where wines with ageing potential are crafted, of great quality, with an ageing potential that can reach up to 20 years.

Enjoy Beaujolais nouveau, the youngest version of the Gamay grape, but do not forget to give a chance to the great wines of Beaujolais, which are undoubtedly worth knowing and will surely surprise you the most.