The Beaujolais Nouveau Has Arrived

The third Thursday of November has been known as Beaujolais Nouveau Day since 1951. While the novelty of Beaujolais Nouveau Day has faded of recent I thought I’d check in on Duboeuf’s latest 2020 vintage release; partly out of curiosity, but mainly in deference to Georges Duboeuf the legendary Beaujolais winemaker and négociant who passed away last January at the age of 86. Duboeuf was a master marketer and he is credited with turning what was a local event in France into one that is now celebrated worldwide. The company is now run by Duboeuf’s son and grandson, Franck and Adrien.

Franck Duboeuf started harvesting the Gamay grapes for his Beaujolais on August 18. That’s roughly 90 days from grapes to your dining room table. The Gamay grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. The process the grapes undergo when they enter the winery is carbonic maceration and it’s this process that allows the wine to make it to market so quickly. Beaujolais Nouveau wines are for early consumption typically within 9 months of release. It’s important to note that not all Beaujolais wines are the same. There are specific areas within the Beaujolais region that produce fuller bodied and more serious bottlings.

Long known for their colorful wine labels Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine that’s all about celebrating the new wine vintage. Let’s face it there hasn’t been much to celebrate about this year so I was hoping the Duboeuf Beaujolais -Villages Nouveau would lift our spirits. It turns out Beaujolais Nouveau is much better than I remember. I’m a fan anew.

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau has a medium ruby color that runs clear to the edge. The aromas are of ripe red cherries, raspberries, banana and bubble gum. I drank it with a slight chill as one should and the juicy red fruit, light tannins and vibrant acidity were refreshing. We drank half of a bottle and had the other half the next day with dinner. My wife really enjoyed the wine and gave props to it days later as I had a bottle in front of me while I was writing. Note to self, buy some more. This could be our house wine for the holidays.

I’m still baffled by the pricing. With the pandemic and 25 % tariffs on French wines under 14% alcohol (it’s 13.5 abv), how this wine makes it to U. S retailer shelves at $13 is simply amazing. If you’re looking for a good, fun and easy glass of red wine for your holiday table I highly recommend Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau. Cheers!