A tradition not widely celebrated in America, Beaujolais Nouveau Day is marked in France on the third Thursday in November with fireworks, music and festivals.
I was first introduced to this young French red wine in my early twenties working at an Inn in Southern Ontario. Stephen Della Casa, the resident sommelier and Inn Keeper’s Son planned an evening around the fruity red’s release and we the kitchen staff were responsible for creating a menu for the occasion.
Being released on November 20th this year, Beaujolais Nouveau known as the “wine without rules” is best served chilled. This fresh and fruity red is the result of a quick fermentation process that ends up with a tasty, clean wine. Not for you wine snobs out there, this premature Gamay originated about a century ago as a cheap and cheerful drink produced by locals to celebrate the end of the harvest season. Selling this young red was viewed by some vintners as a means to clear large quantities of wine at decent profits, which would create a much-needed cash flow shortly after harvest.
Because of the lack of tannins in the wine, Beaujolais Nouveau should not be served with red meat. However, its fresh fruitiness will match remarkably well with simple foods such as pigs in blankets and macaroni and cheese. There’s a French dish called Gougeres that is typically served with Beaujolais Nouveau; essentially it is a cheese puff made with Gruyere. Nouveau is also a good choice to match with fondue. The timing of Nouveau’s release couldn’t be better for Americans, as it may well be the perfect bottle to bring to Thanksgiving dinner.
For many years, the official release date of Beaujolais Nouveau was November 15th, but in 1985 it was decided that a Thursday release would bring about a more festive celebration, as people tend to party on the weekend. What? you don’t start your weekends on Thursday? Well it’s time to start by hosting your own Beaujolais Nouveau Day Party!
In reflection of this wine’s simplicity, your evening gathering shouldn’t be a fuss. You’re welcome to go all out with a french theme or a couple of pizzas will do. Remember this is the wine without rules so do as you please.
Sources:
http://www.beaujolaisnouveauday.com/
http://www.wineweekly.com/wine-basics/beaujolais-nouveau-answers/
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