BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

It's that time of year again. The third Thursday in November is marked by the release of Beaujolais Nouveau. A true expression of the harvest, this wine is quickly fermented while still in whole-berry form and pressed in order to yield a fresh, fruity wine that is smooth and easy drinking with very little tannin.

Although these wines can have character, they are made for the purpose of the celebration of the years harvest and not to win any critic's choice awards. They are fruity, fun and and soda-poppy and not meant to be taken too seriously.

We brought in three this year, and it is a happy coincidence that this falls a week before Thanksgiving, for they pair beautifully with roast turkey, and are simple enough that you can focus on family and conversation, rather than wine.

2010 Antonin Rodet Beaujolais Nouveau: Sweet fruit and perfume on the nose. Tart juicy fruit flavors of cherry, red currant and cranberry. Easy and fun.

2010 Albert Bichot Beaujolais Nouveau: Slight earthiness on the nose. Red currants and plums. More weight than the Rodet but still fruity, easy-drinking and smooth as silk. *This was our favorite*

2010 Albert Bichot Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais Villages: Aromas of candied fruits and violets. Tart cherries and red plums mixed with a slight gravelly earthiness on the palate. Uber-fruity and very similar to the Rodet, with a little more body.

Serve Beaujolais Nouveau slightly chilled. $10.49/bottle

Posted by Caitlin • Mon, November 15, 2010 - 4:33 pm