The third Thursday of November, the French celebrate Beaujolais – but not just any Beaujolais.
Beaujolais is a wine region in the northern Rhone Valley known particularly for its red wines (which make up 97% of the region’s production). But since the 80s, Beaujolais has been particularly well known for its nouveau or new wines, which are sold only months after being made.
Here are three things we think you need to know about this wine.
1. It’s Not the Only Nouveau wine.
While France makes a big deal of Beaujolais nouveau, it’s not the only wine that’s made in this style. Young wines that are sold within months of being made are also known as primeurs, and almost every region has them. It’s just that the Beaujolais markets them particularly well: since the 50s, Beaujolais is required by law to be released on a specific day of the year (fixed as the third Thursday of November in the 80s), so its release can naturally coincide with a big party!
2. It’s an acquired taste.
Beaujolais nouveau is not everyone’s cup of tea (or glass of wine, as the case may be). It tends to be quite fruity, and many compare its flavor to that of banana candy (a lot like banana Runts!) That said, it’s quite easy to drink, as it has no real tannins to speak of and is about 12% alcohol, as compared to some southern reds that can range from 12.5 to 14%.
3. It’s Not the Only Beaujolais.
The Beaujolais region produces several other red wines aside from Beaujolais nouveau, including Beaujolais-Villages and Beaujolais-Supérieur. These wines are quite distinct from Beaujolais nouveau, with a more balanced fruitiness stemming from the predominantly Gamay grapes used.
Next week, take advantage of Beaujolais Nouveau Day to discover both Beaujolais nouveau and other Beaujolais wines – in Paris or elsewhere!