The Beaujolais Nouveau

The third Thursday of every November is the date for more than 1,000,000 cases of Beaujolais Nouveau to begin shipment across the world.

This wildly popular, controversial (to certain connoisseurs) wine has become a staple of the industry. This light, pink wine is very lightweight, even for a Beaujolais, which is normally lightweight already.

The flavor has very little tannin, due to the way it is produced, meaning it has a lightweight flavor that may even recall the white zinfandels that were so popular some years back in the United States.

The Beaujolais nouveau is produced in the Beaujolais region of France, from Gamay grapes. It is one of the least fermented wines (for only three weeks), after which it is released on France's popular "Beaujolais Nouveau Day," the third Thursday of November. (According to French law, Beaujolais Nouveau can be released no earlier than this date.) The process of creation is rushed, but so is the rush to get it to consumers, who have made an annual celebration out if its release.

Critics say these wines are immature and crude. In fact, one critic likened the wine to consuming raw cookie dough. (Of course, ice cream connoisseurs know there is no shortage of popularity of this ingredient.)

65 million bottles are the result of all this fun/madness, comprising nearly 50% of the Beaujolais region's annual wine production. Efforts to be first to get their Nouveau to market are often as entertaining and the consumption itself, with everything from helicopters to hot air balloons, elephants and even rickshaws getting into the act.

The wine's popularity began in the regions of Beaujolais and Lyons, eventually becoming a celebration that spread to other areas.

Critics also say Beaujolais Nouveau is more a triumph of marketing than anything else, especially by George Duboeuf, who sells more than 4 million bottles. In fact, Beaujolais Nouveau accounts for more than a fifth of his production. Regardless, its popularity is undeniable.

You might say its popularity is due in large party to its versatility. After all, it contains some of the character of red wine with much of the refreshing elements of white wine. Like white wine, it is best enjoyed chilled, which adds yet another refreshing aspect to the way it is consumed. So while critics may scoff, the wine's drinkability adds much to its appeal, and makes it able to capture people with a wide variety of tastes.

Then of course, is the celebratory aspect. The event, and the specific release night, mean celebrating with friends, family, and even a sense of sharing a glass with the entire world's wine-drinking community.

Almost any apartment in Paris will serve you well during this historic event. No matter where you stay on this special night, you're sure to run into someone eager to share a glass, tell a joke and spent another amazing night in one of the world's most fun-filled cities.

By the way, do you want to know the right words to put through the conversation ? Paris Version à la Française suggests you to say :
- at the view : "jolie robe", "belle couleur" (cerise, rubis.. ) (cherry, purple-pink..)
- in the mouth : "léger", "fruité", "tendre", "gouleyant" (easy-drinking)..
.. Enjoy next thursday night