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For many people, Beaujolais
means only Beaujolais Nouveau - the one-night
stand of the wine world. It's the first wine in
any vintage to be available for sale - just
weeks after harvest - and is consumed only
within the first few weeks of release, enjoyed
for its candy-like, fizzy, simple character.
And while the region's non-Nouveau wines don't
have the storied longevity or complexity of its
neighbors in other parts of Burgundy,
Beaujolais is still a wonderful wine that
deserves more than our fleeting
affection.
About Beaujolais
Nouveau
The new vintage of Beaujolais
Nouveau is released each year on the
third Thursday in November with much
funfare, and with timing perfect for
serving at Thanksgiving (the wine is an
excellent accompaniment for turkey and
fixings). Made from the Gamay grape, with
very delicate skins, 'Nouveau'
is specifically crafted to be drunk
young, with approachable, light sometimes
sweet qualities.
About Beaujolais, Beaujolais
Villages and Cru Beaujolais
Outside of 'Nouveau',
there are three grades of Beaujolais based
on the provenance of the vineyards - Beaujolais
is the most generic and can be produced from
any vineyards within the appellation;
Beaujolais Villages must be grown
in pre-designated, better quality
villages; and Cru Beaujolais is the
highest tier, with all the grapes hailing from
just one of these prestigious villages. As you
move up in tiers, the wines become fuller and
more complex, and accordingly somewhat more
expensive.
Beaujolais Wine
Characteristics
Body: light to
medium
Tannins: light
Acidity: medium to
high
Flavors: red
fruit, particulary cherry and a distinctive,
pleasant sour cherry note
Other Beaujolais
Wine Fast Facts
- Bottled by varietal
name (Gamay) outside of France,
although not commonly grown in other
countries
-
Bottled by regional name in France:
Beaujolais
- Villages of Beaujolais: Brouilly, Chénas,
Chiroubles, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie,
Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Régnié,
Saint-Amour
- Famous Producers: Georges duBoeuf, Boisset,
Louis Latour
- Very limited aging potential, best
consumed within 1-3 years
Beaujolais Wine
& Food Pairing
- Delicious paired
with mild cheeses and
light, tomato-based sauces;
also chicken, squab, cornish hen, pork
- Easy Food and Wine pairings with
Beaujolais:
Grilled BBQ Pork Ribs with Spicy
Jalapeno-Peanut
Marinade
Here are some of our
favorites:
2005
Domaine Pascal Granger Juliénas,
Beaujolais
This Cru
Beaujolais shows the varietal's classic sour
cherry flavor with a lively
tartness. ($16)
2008
Louis Latour Beaujolais-Villages,
"Chameroy"
More ripe and
suave than the Juliénas, this is sure to please
almost any
palate. ($10)
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About Chardonnay Wine
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