Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from Gamay grapes grown in France’s Beaujolais region. The wine is bottled just 6 to 8 weeks after the grapes are harvested; the 2011 Georges Duboeuf harvest, for example, began on August 22 and concluded by September 15. Unlike most red wines that improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Because it is fermented with carbonic maceration, it lacks the structure to age well and should be consumed within a year of its release.
The 2011 Beaujolais Nouveau will be released Thursday, November 17. This date is mandated by French law, which states that the year’s Beaujolais Nouveau may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November.
Expect Beaujolais Nouveau to have a bright red-violet hue, light body, almost no tannins and strong fruity flavors reminiscent of candied cherries, red plums and licorice. To enhance these flavors and tame acidity, Beaujolais Nouveau should be served slightly cooled.
Mollie Stone’s will have two 2011 Beaujolais Nouveau available on the date of release (and just in time to enjoy with Thanksgiving dinner!). Look for these beginning November 17, 2011:
- Georges Duboeuf
- Bouchard
