It’s The Most Wonderful Time

Of The (Nouveau) Year

One of the most anticipated times of the year in the wine world is arriving. The release of Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of November is as close as the wine community gets to a worldwide holiday. What makes “nouveau” such a phenomenon?

Beaujolais Nouveau is a fairly fruity, light bodied red wine that can be enjoyed by everyone. Those who are more serious about wine look forward to it as the first taste of the new vintage. The novice wine drinker can simply enjoy the lovely fruit flavors as an introduction to the complexity of tastes and flavors that fine wines can provide.

Beaujolais is actually a region in east-central France where the grapes are grown to produce Beaujolais Nouveau. In the French tradition, the wine is named after the region where the vineyards are located. The actual grape that is used for Beaujolais Nouveau is Gamay. Although there are many other excellent wines produced in Beaujolais, Nouveau is certainly the most famous. Most Beaujolais wine is consumed almost immediately after release and should usually be consumed within a year.

Because Nouveau is released so close to Thanksgiving, it can be found gracing many holiday tables. The soft, fruity nature of the wine makes it an excellent match for the many dishes and many different palates that are so often found at the Thanksgiving table. Many other new wines are now being offered from vineyards all over the world. They are all easy drinking red wines similar in flavor to Beaujolais  Nouveau.

Whether it is in your favorite restaurant or at your kitchen table, join the celebration! Pull the cork, pour a glass of Nouveau and toast the new year of fine wine.

(Steve Small is a Newtown resident and wine enthusiast.)