Beaujolais Nouveau is released today, but there’s more to this
region than that fresh and fruity youngster.
1) The Beaujolais region is located in southern Burgundy just
north of the French gastronomic capital of Lyon.
2) The French drink their Beaujolais chilled.
3) Ninety-nine percent of Beaujolais is made from 100% Gamay grapes.
4) Beaujolais is made with an unusual fermentation process known
as carbonic maceration.
5) Beaujolais Nouveau—which is fermented, bottled, and released
just six to eight weeks after harvest -- has pronounced fruity, candy-like
flavors, high acid, very low tannins, and relatively low alcohol.
6) The highest quality Beaujolais wines come from ten villages
that are designated as Cru Beaujolais production areas. They are: Brouilly,
Chénas, Chiroubles, Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à Vent,
Régnié, and Saint Amour.
7) While many wine drinkers think Beaujolais should be drunk young, the more full bodied Cru
Beaujolais wines can often age longer, especially in good vintages.
8) There is a wine known as Beaujolais Blanc; it’s made from
Chardonnay.
9) Beaujolais makes a great "bridge wine" at
restaurants, as it can work with meats, poultry, and rich seafood such as
salmon.
10) Beaujolais is a beautiful area to tour with rolling green hillsides, charming small
restaurants, hospitable bed and breakfasts and the Hameau Duboeuf -- a Disney-like wine tourism
destination that offers animatronic skits and many interactive and entertaining
displays.
Whether nouveau or a more mature style, let's celebrate all the moods of Beaujolais today!
