Introduction to Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is a beloved light and fruity red wine known for its vibrant flavors and fresh character. It is typically released shortly after the harvest on the third Thursday of November, making it a festive choice for the season.
Key Tasting Notes
Aroma: The aromas of Beaujolais Nouveau are characterized by bright fruity notes often reminiscent of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. Floral notes and sometimes hints of banana are also detected, attributed to the carbonic maceration process.
Flavor: Tasting notes show a fresh and juicy profile, dominated by flavors of red fruits such as cherry and cranberry. With a light body and low tannins, this wine is easy to drink, though some vintages may exhibit slight spiciness or earthiness.
Acidity: This wine generally boasts a good acidity level, enhancing its refreshing quality and making it ideal for pairing with a variety of foods.
Finish: The finish is clean and short, highlighting its youthful and vibrant character, best enjoyed when consumed young and slightly chilled.
My Personal Experience
For optimal enjoyment, it is recommended to consume Beaujolais Nouveau within two weeks of purchase. If consumed shortly after release, typically in early to mid-November, it will taste more acidic. However, after about seven to eight months, more of the flavors mentioned on the bottle, such as strawberry, begin to emerge.
According to Jancis Robinson MW, “most of these wines are truly ‘white’ in function if not in hue.”
Guide to Enjoying Beaujolais Nouveau
Produced from the Gamay Grape: Beaujolais Nouveau is made primarily from the Gamay grape, a variety known for its light body and vibrant fruit notes.
Function and Hue: Jancis Robinson MW notes that these wines are typically light in body, producing a full-bodied wine from the 10 villages designated as “crus.” These regions include Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly, and C?te-de-Brouilly, all of which can age up to 5 years, with Moulin-à-Vent being the exception, able to age longer.
Cold Servings: An interesting fact is that Beaujolais wine should be consumed at a lower temperature (13°C or 55°F) compared to most red wines.
Paired with Food
Light Versions: The lighter versions of Beaujolais Nouveau are perfect as a replacement for white wine with charcuterie, making them one of the best matches for such dishes.
Robust Versions: More robust versions from the “crus” can pair well with a roast chicken or guinea fowl, providing a rich and satisfying culinary experience.
Conclusion
Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine crafted for those who appreciate light, fruity, and refreshing flavors. Its unique characteristics, produced from the Gamay grape and designed for young consumption, make it a perfect choice for casual gatherings and festive occasions. Whether enjoyed as a light and fruity treat or paired with robust dishes, Beaujolais Nouveau is sure to deliver a delightful experience.