2021 Beaujolais Nouveau

The release of Beaujolais Nouveau each year takes place on the third Thursday in November directly following harvest in the Northern Hemisphere. Making Beaujolais Nouveau the first red wine of the vintage to be released to market just as many vintners are wrapping up their work in the vineyards. This year’s 2021 Beaujolais Nouveau however might be a bit delayed due to port congestion.

This fruity, easy drinking red wine with distinct aromas and flavors of banana, red berries, and kirsch is produced by semi-carbonic maceration. This winemaking style involves a short carbonic maceration period which takes place within each uncrushed (hand-harvested) berry and transforms a small amount of sugar into alcohol and without yeast. Immediately followed by a traditional fermentation to dryness, fined/filtered, and bottled 3-5 days after the completed fermentation. Oak isn’t a factor in Beaujolais Nouveau as it would mask the desired fresh and fruity characteristics of the wine.

The Beaujolais wine region has a continental climate and experiences the effects of the cold and powerful Mistral wind which can be both drying and damaging. Located in eastern France, Beaujolais is south of Mâconnais and makes up the southernmost border of Bourgogne.

Gamay is Beaujolais’ signature grape. Thin-skinned and capable of high yields. It buds, flowers, and ripens early all while maintaining a medium plus acidity level making it the ideal candidate for the Beaujolais Nouveau style of wine.

Although not the intention of the French, Beaujolais Nouveau served slightly chilled, pairs perfectly with the Thanksgiving meal.

Cheers and enjoy!