All about Beaujolais Nouveau

Why this date ?

Every year, the event falls on the 3rd Thursday of November, but have you ever wondered why ? The release date of the primeur wine is fixed by a French decree of 1985. In 1951, the Beaujolais Nouveau appellation was born. Until 1967, the release date of this early wine was very fluctuating before being set at 15 November. However, Wine merchants and winegrowers realized that a weekend sale was not conducive to sales. That is why, since 30 years, it is systematically celebrated on the 3rd Thursday of November.

History of Beaujolais Nouveau

Why do we say he's new ?

Beaujolais is a wine of Controlled Designation of Origin. This wine could only be marketed from 15 December, but the producers obtained an exemption in 1951 to advance the marketing date. It is therefore a new wine in the sense that it is available prematurely compared to other wines. If it can be eaten so early, it is because of its manufacturing process that requires 4 maceration days. Although we tend to imagine its manufacture as simple, it requires all the talent and know-how of winegrowers. The goal is to obtain a fruity wine without being astringent or flat.

At the beginning, a big party

It all started in 1951, when wine regions were allowed to quickly market their products. Beaujolais will take advantage of this decree to distribute their wines just a few weeks after the end of the harvest.. The laws of 1967 and of 1985 set the official dates for its marketing : first the 15 November at midnight, then the third Thursday of November. Beaujolais Nouveau then becomes the symbol of the first tastings of the year and an opportunity to meet over a drink.

How everything went wrong ?

In the years 1980, producers become aware of the commercial vein that opens before them. First of all a symbol of know-how, this wine has become marketing and trendy. Result : Beaujolais Nouveau is standardized and is spreading like wildfire around the world. Every year, 22 million bottles are exported to more than 110 pays. From now on, consumers no longer want this outrageous standardization and are losing interest in this event. Some producers who have understood this have gone back and come back to more traditional winemaking techniques.. It will take time for this negative image to disappear in favor of a return to the origins.

How is Beaujolais Nouveau made ?

The Beaujolais Nouveau appellation meets specific criteria and specifications to be followed to the letter. Once the bunches are harvested by hand, maceration is done by the carbonic method to give the wine all the fruitiness that we know it and above all very little tannins. It must of course be produced in the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Village appellation area.

The taste of Beaujolais Nouveau

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young wine. With a bright and clear red color, this early wine is distinguished by so-called "amyl" aromas. This refers to the concept of acidity, like English sweets. Yeasts are used to enhance the aromas of the wine. .

In the years 1980, these wines were often fermented with the same type of yeast. It had made them uniform and simplified. With a bright and clear red color, this early wine was distinguished by so-called "amyl" aromas. This refers to the concept of acidity, like English sweets. You could also find this famous banana taste specific to carbonic maceration wines.

From now on, producers seek to obtain more drinkable wines, more fruity. The excessive use of yeast is much less common

The Sarmentelles of Beaujeu