Photo of Beaujolais Nouveau wines at Inno, a Paris supermarket. While the taste may leave something to be desired - after all, ten weeks ago, the grapes were still on the vine - it's the tradition that counts.
The Beaujolais Nouveau released every year on the third Thursday in November is what the Brits would call "cheap and cheerful." The hoopla surrounding the release of the new vintage isn't what it once was - no balloon races or car races to get the first bottles to Paris, Britain, Belgium and Germany. But people still gather to taste the new offering - even if they never again drink another bottle of the vintage.
I'm waiting for my husband to get home to uncork this bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau. Last summer the Georges Duboeuf trading house was convicted for illegally mixing wine from various Beaujolais labels. According to the BBC, this appears to have been "an unfortunate one-off lapse." As you can see, the Georges Duboeuf label is still popular, selling more Beaujolais Nouveau than any other French company.
Woohoo! I recognize that bottle!!
Posted by: Rosa | 01 December 2006 at 13:55
The wine guy at our store said G. DeBouef was not as good as J. Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau. -so we decided to try the Drouhin. It was very tasty but don't know that we will buy another bottle of it this year.
Posted by: martina | 20 November 2006 at 03:34
I tried one, I liked it more than last year ones...I don't remember the name...I will ask my husband (he is the french...)
It is always so interesting to read your blog! so many different subjets, poetry, pictures! like having a(a bunch of them actually) beautiful book to open any time. Thank tou for being there Tara! kisses
Posted by: Catalina | 18 November 2006 at 16:56
Looks like all is ready for an ideal celebration of the new wine. And did you enjoy it?
The list of (mostly expatriate) blogs reporting celebrations of the new wine is growing!
Santé!
Meilleurs vœux!
Posted by: blueVicar | 18 November 2006 at 09:22
woohoo..no need to have ordered Beaujolais from my local wine shop as I'll be drinking it in Paris soon.
The photos are exquisite! Is that Waterford I spy? Gorgeous crystal whatever the maker.
Posted by: susan | 18 November 2006 at 00:12
I bought a bottle of GD here in Norway at the local mall this afternoon. Plan to uncork it tonight - my dh and I will have the house all by ourselves :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 17 November 2006 at 16:49
i just love the name - it sounds happy:)
Posted by: sophie | 17 November 2006 at 02:28
interesting.
Posted by: GoGo | 17 November 2006 at 00:01
we have something similar here - well not that similar I guess but each year at this time - the first cherries are picked and there is an auction at the markets for the first box. Sometimes reaching in the thousands! that money is donated to charity.
your tradition sounds fun!
Posted by: miss*R | 16 November 2006 at 23:18
Just got back from a beaujolais nouveau party with a meetup.com group of expats. Good wine and good times had by all. Nice to celebrate the nouveau in France for a change! Hope your bottle was as tasty as mine!
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 16 November 2006 at 22:21
I love the beaujolais nouveau, if nothing else, tradition and the lightness of the wine. cheers! JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 16 November 2006 at 20:34
When we were much younger, we always looked forward to this release because of the "cheap" part of your description. But over the years, I've gotten away from wine and forgotten all about this wine. Maybe I've just stumbled upon a good addition to our weekend things to do list.
Posted by: ally bean | 16 November 2006 at 20:14
How aptly! This afternoon the local cafe/brasserie where I hung out at put up "Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive" (in French)! I remember the tradition from my days in France.
Cheap and cheerful. Cherry like...
Posted by: Nina | 16 November 2006 at 18:58
Duboeuf always has the prettiest labels. Enjoy! Hmmm, I wonder if we have bottles in the U.S. yet?
Posted by: January | 16 November 2006 at 18:24