Cheers for the new season’s Beaujolais

Nov 14 2008 by Our Correspondent, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BEAUJOLAIS Nouveau has become a synonym for celebration across the world, as people gather to taste the first wine of the new season.

It’s all part of the magic of this light, fruity red wine launched amid great celebration every year on the third Thursday of November.

Beaujolais is the southernmost region of Burgundy and produces more wine than the other four regions of Burgundy put together. The gamay grape variety predominates and the majority of Beaujolais wines are made to be drunk young.

Those who are already fans will be pleased to hear that the 2008 vintage is expected to be a good one.

Marks & Spencer are even jumping on the bandwagon this year – launching their own prettily-decorated Beaujolais Nouveau for £5.99.

Partying aside, the light, bright flavours of Beaujolais Nouveau make it refreshing at this time of year, when it’s easy to overdose on more robust, tannin-heavy reds.

Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to stash some away for next year – Beaujolais Nouveau is made to be drunk immediately. Like most other Beaujolais wines it should be drunk within two years. In any case, if you save some from year to year you’ve got nothing to look forward to when November rolls around!