Beaujolais Nouveau: The Wine That Arrives Before Christmas
Every November, something slightly ridiculous and wonderfully French happens with the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau.
A wine that was grapes weeks ago suddenly appears on shelves. It is young, juicy, and bright.
This is Beaujolais Nouveau.
Released on the third Thursday of November, it is one of the most anticipated moments in the wine calendar. Unlike most wines, it is made to be enjoyed almost immediately after harvest.
But what exactly is Beaujolais Nouveau, why is everyone so excited about it, and is it actually any good?
We think it is rather fun.
A Beaujolais Nouveau wine made to celebrate the harvest
Beaujolais Nouveau comes from the Beaujolais region of eastern France, just south of Burgundy.
It is made from Gamay. This grape produces wines full of fresh fruit and lively character. The grapes are bottled quickly. This captures the freshness of the new vintage.
There is no waiting around for years in a cellar.
No dusty bottle that needs a complicated decanting ritual.
No need to wonder whether you've opened it too soon.
Beaujolais Nouveau is about drinking wine while it is young, vibrant and full of personality.
So, what does it actually taste like?
Forget the heavy, tannic reds you might associate with winter.
Beaujolais Nouveau is almost the opposite.
Expect juicy red fruit, raspberry, cherry and strawberry. Some have a playful, floral or confectionery character.
It tends to be light-bodied, soft and incredibly easy to drink, with refreshing acidity and very little aggressive tannin.
Production uses whole bunches and semi-carbonic maceration. This creates the distinctive aromatic, fruity character.
The result?
A red wine that is bright, uncomplicated and seriously drinkable.
It is the sort of bottle you can open slightly chilled, pour generously and get on with enjoying yourself.
Why does it come out in November?
This is where Beaujolais Nouveau becomes a little bit special.
Most wines spend months, sometimes years, developing before they are released. Beaujolais Nouveau does not.
The official release date was established in 1985 as the third Thursday of November. This tradition celebrates the new wine. It has become a global event.
From France to Japan, the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau is an excuse to gather and celebrate.
It is wine with a deadline.
And somehow, that makes it more exciting.
Beaujolais Nouveau isn't just one style
One of the misconceptions about Beaujolais Nouveau is that every bottle tastes the same.
They don't.
The wine's character varies. It depends on the vineyard, winemaker, vintage and grape handling.
Some are incredibly fresh and floral. Others are packed with juicy cherry and raspberry. Some have a little more structure, while others are almost dangerously easy to drink.
Nouveau is the most famous expression. The region also offers Beaujolais-Villages and Crus like Morgon and Fleurie.
So if you discover Beaujolais Nouveau and enjoy it, there is a whole region waiting to be explored.
What about sustainability?
Wine is never completely without an environmental footprint.
There are vineyards to farm, bottles to produce, wine to transport and packaging to consider. But that does not mean there is nothing we can do to make better choices.
The region works to reduce its environmental impact. They research carbon reduction and sustainable packaging. They also explore lighter bottles for a lower-impact future.
That matters because sustainability in wine isn't just about what happens in the vineyard.
It is also about what happens afterwards.
We believe good wine and thoughtful packaging belong together. We use recyclable paper and cardboard. Our boxes protect bottles without excess packaging.
We are not going to pretend that a bottle of wine has no environmental impact.
But we can make better choices where we can.
And we'd rather be honest about that.
What should you eat with Beaujolais Nouveau?
Pretty much anything you would happily eat with friends.
This is not a wine that demands a three-course tasting menu and a sommelier standing nearby.
Try it with charcuterie, roast chicken, sausages, burgers, pizza, grilled pork or a proper French cheese board.
It is particularly good with food that has a little salt and plenty of flavour.
It is light and fresh. It works well with dishes normally paired with white wine.
The important thing is not to overthink it.
Chill it slightly.
Open it.
Pour it.
Eat something delicious.
Repeat.
Should you drink it chilled?
Yes.
Don't turn it into a wine slushie, but a little time in the fridge can work wonders.
Around 12–14°C is a good starting point.
Serving it slightly chilled brings out the fresh fruit and makes the wine even more refreshing.
And if the bottle somehow survives the evening, keep it somewhere cool and enjoy it soon.
Although, realistically, we wouldn't put money on there being any left.
The best thing about Beaujolais Nouveau
Perhaps the greatest thing about Beaujolais Nouveau is that it doesn't take wine too seriously.
Wine can sometimes feel intimidating.
There are regions and grapes to learn. Some bottles have words that make you question your decisions.
Beaujolais Nouveau cuts through all of that.
It is fresh.
It is fruity.
It is fun.
It marks a new vintage. It gives people an excuse to gather, open a bottle and enjoy.
And frankly, we think wine could do with a little more of that.
When should you drink Beaujolais Nouveau?
Whenever the new vintage arrives.
The third Thursday of November is the traditional release. This is an easy date to remember.
Plan a dinner or a Friday night. Join this entertaining tradition. Keep an eye out for the vintage.
Because sometimes the best bottle isn't the one you save for ten years.
Sometimes it's the one that has just arrived.
And sometimes, all you really need is good wine, good food and good company.
That's what Beaujolais Nouveau is all about.
For the love of good wine.