Beaujolais is a wine producing region known for its red wine of the same name. This is an AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) wine, which means that it is produced in a traditional and consistent manner in a designated geographical area.
Beaujolais is made from the Gamay grapes characterized by moderate tannins and low acidity. Beaujolais nouveau (“new Beaujolais”) is a vin de primeur, i.e. a wine sold in the same year in which it was harvested. Such wines are fresh, fruity, paler in color, and low in tannins due to the very short maceration and fermentation period. Beaujolais nouveau doesn’t improve with age and is intended for immediate drinking.
According to the regulations set in 1951, Beaujolais nouveau is released for sale on the third Thursday of November (originally November 15, the date was changed in 1985 to take advantage of marketing opportunities). A few producers saw the potential for marketing Beaujolais nouveau and launched the Beaujolais Nouveau Day campaign. By the 1970s, it had become a nationwide event.
Beaujolais nouveau celebrations are held throughout the Beaujolais region, but the largest festival takes place in Lyon. Although the city isn’t officially part of the region, may of the Beaujolais vineyards are located in the hillside north of Lyon. The festival kicks off at 12.01 a.m., when Beaujolais nouveau is released for sale. Its program includes wine tasting, games and contests, a wine and food fair with local produce, live entertainment, and more. Many producers release the wine with a new design every year to draw more attention.
