Every year as November comes around I eagerly anticipate not 1 but 2 Thursdays during the month. Naturally, one is Thanksgiving Day. The other? It falls every year on the 3rd Thursday in November and it's Beaujolais Nouveau Day!
What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day you ask? It's a day in France that celebrates the end of the harvest. It is celebrated with the release of the fresh and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau wine. Worldwide "Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!" (The new Beaujolais has arrived!) is proclaimed. Over 60 million bottles depart Paris and begin their journey to distribution world wide.
This youthful and vibrant wine is made from the gamay grape in Beaujolais (located in Burgundy) and is bottled only 6-8 weeks after harvest. The resulting wine offers notes of strawberries, red currants, raspberries, figs, pears and a hint of holiday spice. Ideally it is served with a slight chill (55 degrees Fahrenheit). It's a wine that is not meant for aging and is intended for immediate enjoyment making it the perfect accompaniment for Thanksgiving!
Aside from Turkey, other fantastic pairings for this easy drinking wine are traditional French recipes such as a bistro style frisee salad with a fried egg and bacon, Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, or even pâté. Grilled cheese or a burger if you prefer a simpler pairing that is just as satisfying!
In addition to it being a fun wine, the labels and packaging are always bright and lively. Need a festive hostess gift? Beaujolais Nouveau with a tantalizing slice of Fleur Verte cheese makes a perfect offering!
Get out there, grab yourself a bottle or 2 of Beaujolais Nouveau this year on November 21! Sante!
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