Beaujolais Nouveau: a worldwide celebration

The third Thursday of November is a special date for wine-lovers around the world, as it marks the arrival of that year’s highly-coveted Beaujolais Nouveau. A red wine from Beaujolais in the Burgundy region of France, this famous French tipple is widely celebrated across Europe, North America, and Asia– but what is it exactly that makes it so special? Let’s have a look.  

What is Beaujolais Nouveau wine?  

Beaujolais Nouveau is a French red wine made from 100% hand-picked Gamay grapes and is produced under the Beaujolais AOC appellation. While more sophisticated and expensive Beaujolais designations are available on the market, Beaujolais Nouveau made a name for itself thanks to its singularity and accessibility.  

Beaujolais Nouveau is what’s known as a “vin primeur”, a young wine sold the same year it’s harvested which is meant to be consumed shortly after. To produce it, winemakers utilise a quick fermentation process, macerating the grapes for only 3–4 days, to create a wine that’s fresh and fruity, with a low level of tannins compared to other reds. Today, millions of bottles are produced and distributed annually, many of which are sent to Japan, Germany, and the US.  

Beaujolais Nouveau Day: the story behind the tradition  

Beaujolais Nouveau was originally a rather basic, easy-to-drink table wine enjoyed by vineyard workers to celebrate the end of the harvest season. Later, it was sent to local cafés and restaurants (notably in Paris), where it began to grow in popularity, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the wine really took off thanks to clever marketing by businessman Georges Duboeuf. He heavily publicised the November arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, and it’s thanks to him that the third of November became a global festive event.  

How Beaujolais Nouveau day is celebrated around the world  

According to law, Beaujolais Nouveau can only be sold after 12:01 am on the third Thursday of November. Throughout France, local parties are held to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day, with fireworks, music, food, and of course, wine! Elsewhere, bars and restaurants include exclusive bottles on their menus, wine bars host special events with Beaujolais Nouveau wine tastings, and the Japanese even partake in a little wine bath to mark the occasion! 

Wine and dine: Beaujolais Nouveau food pairings  

Crisp and acidic, with vibrant fruity notes, Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine that pairs well with just about any food. For a simple option that can easily be shared amongst a crowd, consider a delicious cheese and charcuterie board, including pâté and saucisson, as well as creamy, soft cheeses like Brie de Meaux and Raclette de Savoie to balance out the wine’s tangy flavour profile.  

More elaborate dishes like coq au vin, baked eggs with creamy mushrooms, and beef tenderloin with roasted pumpkin are rich, comforting options that lean into the autumnal flavours we love so much in November. Americans might even consider serving the wine during Thanksgiving, as Beaujolais Nouveau is a great match for roast turkey and mashed potatoes!  

Now that you know all about Beaujolais Nouveau wine and the day dedicated to celebrating it, it’s time to mark your calendar! And in the meantime, continue to explore the exciting world of French wines right this way.