Beaujolais Nouveau - November 21st, 2013

 

The third Thursday in November every year has reason to be celebrated. It's the day that vintners from the Beaujolais region in France, rush to release this years  

                                                  Beaujolais Nouveau. 

Literally translated it means new wine from Beaujolais. A wine that merely 6-8 weeks before had been grapes on the vine. It's a young wine and meant to be drunk early (read: now). No need to cellar or hold. Typically it is best when consumed within 6 months. However, You certainly may partake 6, 8, up to 10-12 months later. 

According to a French law passed in 1985, the wine may not be released earlier than the third Thursday of November. So it has become almost a spectacle being delivered from bicycles to elephants to hot air balloons.  
Meaning, Parties all over the world in celebration.

Beaujolais Nouveau has been around for centuries. It was grown for and by the peasants. As much, it has also grown in popularity due to one man, who began as a peasant himself, Georges Duboeuf.* The simplicity of the wine is part of the draw to it. Pair it with most everything. From pizza or Thanksgiving dinner. (Thanks "Frenchies" for delivering it just in time.)

Enjoyable because it's very fruity without being overly sweet and also light bodied. Not aged in oak. The Gamay grape is very thin skinned so there's little to no tannins in this wine. This translates to a soft, drinkable wine.

Beaujolais Nouveau can parallel life: 

• Have fun and enjoy it now! No need to wait. 
• There are times for seriousness, this is not one of them.
• Need an excuse to celebrate? Well here it is. 
• Most of us come from humble beginnings.  

 Today's toast:     Make the most of life while you may, 
                          Life is short and wears away!      
                                                             -William Oldys

*Read - "I'll Drink To That. 
                 BEAUJOLAIS 
    and the French Peasant Who Made It 
     the World's Most Popular Wine."
                               by Rudolph Chelminski

Wine Wednesday - Thanksgiving Edition

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Next Thursday to be exact. Most people plan extensively. Food, guests, seating, et cetera. But what about the wine? Although often overlooked, wine can be equally as important as the food. 

Whether you seldom drink wine or frequently imbibe, it can be intimidating to choose the right vino.

Alas. What do you serve, drink or bring? Depends. Will it be turkey, ham, duck, prime rib or vegetarian?

I'm from the school of thought, "Drink what you enjoy". However choosing the right wine, really can make a difference. So for your eating and drinking pleasure, here are a few suggestions. Included are traditional pairings, both red and white, as well as wines that are appropriate but perhaps slightly unexpected.

Let's talk Turkey! Stuffed, smoked, oven-roasted? How is your bird served? And what shall you serve with said bird?

Flying Colours Ltd./Getty Images

Traditional oven-roasted/stuffed

• Sauvignon Blanc or Albarino - if you're feeling adventurous
• Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau* - It's new, it's fun!

Smoked
If it's smoked, bring the oak!

• Chenin Blanc or Viognier
• Shiraz or Garnacha

Ham 

• Riesling or Gruner Veltliner
• Chianti/Barbera or Beaujolais Nouveau*

Duck

• Pinot Gris/Grigio or Torrontes - "Don't cry for me Argentina" But thanks for the wine.
• Merlot or Zinfandel

Prime Rib

• If you are so inclined to drink white, try a lightly oaked  Chardonnay
• Malbec or Barolo

Many times at a Thanksgiving table, there is A LOT going on. How do you choose a wine that will go with so much variety? Luckily there are options.
-First, blends are wildly popular. They have a broad appeal and can be a solution on what to serve the multitudes. In fact, there are people who typically "don't like wine" but have been turned onto it by a blend. "The Gateway Wines"
-Second, champagne or sparkling wine is always a good option. As I've said before, champagne goes with everything (including breakfast).  And a rose' sparkling (yes I'm referring to pink champagne) is very trendy now. It has a wide range from dry to sweet.  You would be So very hip to have it at your table this Thanksgiving.

Lastly, what do you serve or take when drinking wine isn't permitted or acceptable?

Flowers.

Happy Thanksgiving!



A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry 
                                                                -Ecclesiastes 10:19


 *Check out the next blog about the buzz on Beaujolais Nouveau