It’s that time of year! On the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau is released. While it’s not a huge deal in the US, it is a big celebration in France. It marks the end of harvest, and the coming of a new growing season. There’s only a short period of time where winemakers get to rest between vintages, as soon it will be time to head back into the vineyards, and begin vineyard maintenance once again.
Beaujolais is always a very light wine, and the Nouveau is typically even lighter. It is made from the same year’s vintage, and goes through a quick carbonic maceration. In this process, the grapes are not pressed. The weight of the grapes clusters pressing down on each other crushes them, leaving a very light wine with minimal extraction. And they won’t break the bank either, most of them are under $15.
Truthfully, I’m not a big Beaujolais guy. But the Nouveau always marks a special time of the year for me and my family; a time of celebration, and a time to share special holidays with the ones you love most. So drink up, people.
2 Responses to “2009 Beaujolais Nouveau Arrives”
I always enjoy Beaujolais and this time of year.
Did you know oftem times the remaining grape matter from the natural pressing process is used as fertilizer for the next season’s crop.
These grapes go the extra mile.
Yes! One of the beautiful aspects of Beaujolais Nouveaux. The wine is made quickly from the same year’s harvest, and is made to be consumed within the next several months.