LE BEAUJOLAIS

We might say that November is THE month of french wines at La Cuisine. After the article about Burgundy wines, let's talk about the Beaujolais, because this coming Thursday (Nov 18th) we will celebrate the French tradition:

The Beaujolais Nouveau release!

Since 1951, every third Thursday of November, we celebrate the "Beaujolais Day".

At one past Midnight, from little villages and towns like Romaneche-Thorins, over a million case (around 25 millions liters) of Beaujolais begin their journey through France to Paris for immediate shipment to all parts of the world. Germany and Japan are the biggest market, followed by the USA.

The Beaujolais Region, North from Lyon

Over the years, it has been carried by balloon, motorcycle, truck, helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant, runners and rickshaws.

Apart from the Fanfare, what makes Beaujolais Nouveau so popular? And especially in the U.S. where consumption of red wine is less than 30%?

Simply put that Beaujolais Nouveau is as about as close to white wine as a red wine can get.

Good to know: Gamay (Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc) is the only grape permitted for Beaujolais. All the grapes in Beaujolais region must be picked by hand. These are the only vineyards, along with Champagne, where hand harvesting is mandatory.

Beaujolais is meant to be drunk young, in average vintages it should be consumed by the following May after its release.

However, in excellent vintages (such as 2000) the wine can live much longer and can be enjoyed until the next harvest rolls around.

The "Beaujolais Nouveau" celebration, which began as a local phenomenon in the local bars, cafes and bistros of Beaujolais and Lyon, has become in a few decades one of the most animated rituals in the wine world, encouraging friends to come together and celebrate.

It is a very popular event throughout France as well as in most cities around the world, especially in Japan and the United States.

The race from grape to glass must be silly, but half the fun is knowing that on the same night, in homes, cafes, restaurants, bistros, pubs and bars around the world, the same celebration is taking place.

So, this year, on November 18th 00.01am, we will say

"Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!", "The New Beaujolais has arrived!".

At La Cuisine, we will be featuring a special 3 courses Menu to celebrate its release.

We can't wait to see wich fruits flavor it will have this year!