Two “Nouveau” wines, both Beaujolais Nouveau from France, will be available at selected PEI Liquor Commission stores across Prince Edward Island starting the morning of Thursday, November 19, 2009. The annual release of the Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday in November is greeted around the world with festivities as it is the first wine of the year’s harvest.
The “Nouveau” wine tradition began many years ago in the vineyards of the Beaujolais region of France when local wine makers developed a quick maturing wine to celebrate the completion of the grape harvest with the workers. They called the new wine “Beaujolais Nouveau.”
Over the years, the annual release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, always on the third Thursday in November, has evolved into an international event. Apart from the fanfare, there are other reasons why Beaujolais Nouveau is so popular. It is as close to a white wine as a red wine can get. Due to the way it is made – the “must” is pressed early after only three days – the phenolic compounds, in particular the astringent tannins, aren’t there, leaving an easy to drink, fruity wine. This, coupled with the fact that it tastes best when chilled, makes for a festive wine which should be enjoyed. It also makes a great transitional wine for anyone wanting to move from white to red wine. In addition, half the fun is knowing that on the same day/night, in homes, cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and bistros around the world, the same celebration is taking place. Nouveau Wines are best served slightly chilled and matched with lighter foods such as appetizers. To enjoy their fresh, fruity character at its best, they are best consumed young although they are still drinkable up to a year after release.
The two wines released Thursday, November 19, are very reasonably priced: Deboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau at $15.99 and Corton Andre Beaujolais Nouveau at $16.99.
As always, quantities of these wines are limited. Interested customers are advised to shop early to avoid disappointment. If the store nearest you does not carry these wines, please consult the manager and he/she will be pleased to acquire them for you.