Beaujolais

What is Beaujolais and Where Does It Come From?

Beaujolais is a light, fruity red wine that comes from Beaujolais, France. The Gamay grape gives the wine its high acidity and light body. Notes of cherry, strawberry, and cranberry are common in Beaujolais wines.

Summer drinking is perfect with this kind of red because its tannic level is lower than other wines like it. You’ll also enjoy the fruit flavors since it’s only aged in barrels for a couple of months.

Types of Beaujolais Wine

Beaujolais wine undergoes a unique fermentation process that gives it its characteristic flavor profile. There are three types of Beaujolais wines available on the market – Nouveau, Primeur, and Beaujolais Villages – each of which has its own distinct taste and aroma.

Nouveau wines are the youngest; they are released just a few weeks after fermentation is complete and are meant to be consumed quickly.
Primeur wines are slightly older; they are released six to nine months after fermentation and can be aged for a few years.
Traditional wines are made in a style similar to Burgundy wines, using whole clusters of grapes and spending up to two years aging in barrels. These wines tend to be more complex, with earthy flavors and hints of spice.

Thanks to its relatively simple production process and easy-drinking style, Beaujolais has become one of the most popular types of French wine on the market today.

Read up on each type on Wikipedia.

How Is Beaujolais Made

Production begins with a late September or early October harvest of the fruit. Then, the grapes go through crushing and fermentation for about two weeks. Juice pumping over skins occurs during this time to draw out color and flavor. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is transferred to barrels where it will age for several months before being bottled.

How To Serve

Beaujolais wines are best served chilled. It’s important to let the wine breathe for about 20 minutes before pouring it into glasses. This will help to bring out the full flavor of the wine.

Special Occasions Traditionally Celebrated With Beaujolais Wine

There are a few special occasions traditionally celebrated with Beaujolais wine. The most popular is the Beaujolais Nouveau festival, which is held every year on the third Thursday in November. This festive event marks the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine, which is made from grapes that were harvested just a few weeks earlier.

People all over France (and beyond) celebrate by attending parties and enjoying glasses of the young wine.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a glass with dinner, this french red wine is sure to please.

Wine Pairing

When it comes to food pairings, Beaujolais wine is surprisingly versatile. It can be served with everything from smoker recipes to grilled vegetables, or even Chorizo in Red Wine. And of course, no French meal would be complete without a cheese course.

Here’s some additional information of Food and Wine pairings and Good Cheap Wines under $20.

Prime Rib Recipes

Garlic and Herb Prime Rib Recipe
Sous Vide Prime Rib
Smoked Prime Rib

Sliced sous vide chuck roast on a baking sheet.

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Cheese

Try pairing Beaujolais wine with a variety of cheeses, including both hard and soft varieties. Reference our Wine and Cheese Pairings list for recommendations of what cheese to serve.

Beaujolais

When it comes to red wine, there are countless varieties to choose from. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, why not give Beaujolais a try?

Don’t let its gentle flavor fool you – it can actually be quite complex, with hints of cherry and violet. It’s the perfect wine for both beginners and experienced connoisseurs alike.