Intro

Every November, a particular tradition draws wine lovers together in a spirit of joy and spontaneity: the release of Beaujolais Nouveau. Once considered a bit kitschy, Beaujolais Nouveau has found its way back into the hearts of those who love wine for its charm, freshness, and the fun it brings to the table.

Marked by the third Thursday of November, this annual event sees the first wines of the year shipped straight from France, making their way to glasses worldwide. There’s no mistaking its allure. Beaujolais Nouveau is an excuse to celebrate the harvest and raise a glass with friends and family, savouring a wine that’s meant to be sipped with a smile rather than a furrowed brow.

But what exactly is Beaujolais Nouveau, and why has it captivated so many? Let’s dive into the story behind the wine, explore what makes it unique, and even get to know some exceptional producers who have elevated this young wine to a new level of quality.

A Celebration of Freshness: The Origins of Beaujolais Nouveau

The story of Beaujolais Nouveau is rooted in the heart of Beaujolais, a wine region in eastern France. This young wine’s origins go back to the 19th century, when vineyard workers would celebrate the end of the harvest season by drinking the first wines they’d made, right on the spot. It was fresh, light, and fruit-forward—a wine to celebrate the season and the fruits of their labour.

In the 1950s, this tradition blossomed into something bigger. With an official release date set for November, Beaujolais Nouveau Day became a widely anticipated annual event, with festivals in France and abroad marking the occasion. As the years went on, it grew into a beloved global tradition, blending celebration with a true sense of terroir.

Today, the release of Beaujolais Nouveau is a lively kickoff to the wine season, offering wine enthusiasts a preview of the year’s harvest. It’s less about wine snobbery and more about simply enjoying what nature has given us in that year’s Gamay grapes. And with Beaujolais Nouveau’s renewed popularity, people everywhere are embracing the festive spirit and simplicity of this fresh, unpretentious wine.

Why Beaujolais Nouveau is Simply Fun

Beaujolais Nouveau isn’t aiming for complexity, and that’s exactly why it’s such a pleasure. Made from the Gamay grape, it undergoes a unique fermentation process called carbonic maceration, which brings out the fruitiness while keeping tannins at bay. The result? A wine that bursts with fresh, juicy flavors—think red berries, ripe cherries, and a touch of banana, thanks to the carbonic method. This bright character makes Beaujolais Nouveau perfect for sipping without needing to analyse every note.

There’s a playful spirit that defines Beaujolais Nouveau. It’s a wine that’s bottled and served within just a few weeks of harvest, intended to be drunk young, so there’s no pressure to let it age or bring out the decanter. And, as the years go by, more people are recognising that Beaujolais Nouveau isn’t trying to be a grand wine; it’s simply there for the joy of the moment.

This easy-going approach has helped shed the perception that it’s “naff,” turning it into a wine for everyone. Beaujolais Nouveau is about enjoying what’s in the glass now, savouring the taste of a fresh harvest, and having an excuse to celebrate in good company. It's a reminder that wine is not just for the cellar or the tasting room; it’s also for sharing, laughing, and enjoying here and now.

Food Pairings: Perfect Matches for Beaujolais Nouveau

I'm not going to bang on here about the nuance of this and profile of that. To be quite honest its a wine you mainly just want to drink back as its light, fruity and moreish however the below are what I will be eating with my tipple this year

• Charcuterie Boards: The wine’s fruity, light character cuts through the richness of cured meats,
• Soft and Mild Cheeses: Beaujolais Nouveau loves a good cheese plate! Opt for anything washed rind so your Brie or Camembert kinda things—these mild cheeses complement the wine’s soft texture and berry notes rather well.

Ultimately, Beaujolais Nouveau is a friendly, flexible wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously. So just crack a bottle and eat some cheese and charcuterie

Producers to Look Out For: Lapierre, Lapalu, and Breton

While Beaujolais Nouveau may be about fun and freshness, a few producers take it to the next level, crafting Nouveau wines with finesse and character. These producers champion sustainable practices and let the Gamay grape shine in its purest form, showing that Nouveau can be more than just a lighthearted sip. Here are some names to look for:

• Lapierre: A pioneer of natural winemaking in Beaujolais, Marcel Lapierre left a legacy of organic, low-intervention winemaking that his son Mathieu and daughter Camille carry on today. Known for vibrant, terroir-driven wines, Lapierre’s Beaujolais Nouveau offers a beautifully clean expression of the region’s flavours, made with a focus on purity and minimal sulphur.

• Jean-Claude Lapalu: Another beloved name in Beaujolais, Jean-Claude Lapalu has gained a cult following for his dedication to organic farming and natural winemaking. Lapalu’s wines are rich with bright fruit and minerality, and his Beaujolais Nouveau balances freshness with layers of complexity, standing out as a quality choice for those seeking an elevated Nouveau experience.

• Guy Breton: Known affectionately as "Petit Max," Breton is part of the “Gang of Four,” a group of winemakers (including Lapierre) who are committed to producing authentic, high-quality Beaujolais. His Nouveau wines are juicy and fun, but with an added touch of finesse, often with notes of red fruit, earthiness, and a hint of floral lift. Breton’s wines are made with minimal intervention, allowing the character of the Gamay grape and Beaujolais terroir to shine through.

These producers have brought a new level of respect to Beaujolais Nouveau, crafting wines that honour tradition while embracing a commitment to quality. They remind us that Nouveau isn’t just a party in a bottle—it’s a delicious, thoughtful expression of Beaujolais.

When you are sipping on this years juicy drop remember that Beaujolais isn't just for Beaujolais Nouveau day, it's for life. There are a whole host of wines and cru's to explore such as Morgon, Fleurie, Regnie and more. So use this year to discover Beaujolais and all the delicious wines that are made there.