Cellar Notes
November Grape of the Month: Beaujolais
By Zephyr’s Co-Founder, Jennifer Walker
“A wine associated with youth, energy, freshness and with priests or workers’ gardens where there are a few red fruits to be found”. Georges Duboeuf
Beaujolais. Maybe you’ve heard of it, and maybe you haven’t, but it has a story to tell and I’d love to share a bit of it with you. We celebrate Beaujolais in November because of International Beaujolais Release Day. Under French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of every November at 12:01 am, just weeks after September’s “vendage”, when grapes are harvested. Given this timing and the wallet-friendly pricing, it has become a favorite wine to enjoy during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving!
The History of Beaujolais
The history of grapes being grown and wine being made in the Beaujolais region go back to the Roman times! However, production was modest until the 17th century when volume started to expand, and then really exploded in the 1960s when a local winegrower and local wine merchant teamed up to essentially ‘rebrand’ the wine as Beaujolais Nouveau. These two gentlemen, Louis Bréchard (winegrower) and Léon Foillard (wine merchant) went on to become known as the “Fathers of Beaujolais Nouveau”, thanks to the energy and effort put into getting Beaujolais out to the broader market.
Grape
The crus of Beaujolais are made from 100% Gamay grapes, and illuminate the variety of terroirs available in the region. Beaujolais soils are predominantly decomposed granite and blue volcanic rock, while its neighbor, Burgundy, is known for its clay and limestone soils. The primary vinification method is carbonic maceration, where grapes are not crushed, but instead whole clusters are placed in a tank, thus allowing fermentation to take place inside each grape berry.
Palate and Pairing
The easy-going and friendly nature of many Beaujolais wines, plus their lively and easy-drinking spirit combined with affordability make them a ‘must-buy’ for a daily drinker and beyond! Known for tasting notes of fresh cherry, spice, and earth, they are versatile at the table, but make a particularly good match with pork sausage and charcuterie. Considered a wine that must be drunk young, it makes a PERFECT match for any holiday table!
Zephyr is thrilled to carry both a unique find in a Rose of Beaujolais AND Beaujolais, both priced at $40. Furthermore, we will be celebrating Beaujolais Release Day on Thursday, November 21st. Swing by and enjoy a glass with us!