Released at precisely one minute past midnight on 19 November each year, Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated all over France and increasingly in many other parts of Europe and the world. Produced from this year’s crop of Gamay grapes, harvested only a few weeks ago in the splendid wine region of Beaujolais in central France, this delightfully young wine has become a National treasure. Not necessarily because of the quality or lack of in such a new wine, but more for the celebration that accompanies it. Usually consumed in it’s entirety before the following spring, only on very rare occasions such as the 2000 vintage would the wine be kept a little longer, but only in this case until the harvest of 2001!
All over France today, local cafés, bistros, wine bars, restaurants and pétanque clubs will be eagerly awaiting that first sip of light, almost chilled red wine. Enjoyed of course, whether a good year or a not, so good with a great selection of saucisson, pickles and lots of warm conversation and laughter in the true French spirit! Following the horrific events in France over the last week, that French “Joie de Vivre” will sure to be flowing in great quantities throughout every town and city in the the land and throughout the world as we celebrate a great French tradition and what is hoped to be a wonderful Beaujolais Nouveau 2015 – Bonne Santé à tous!
