KEY POINTS:
Tomorrow is Beaujolais Nouveau Day - the day the easy-drinking red wine is made available worldwide. Chelsea Burke asks expert Kevin Lind what all the fuss is about.
Just what is Beaujolais nouveau?
It's a light, fresh, easy-drinking red wine produced in the Beaujolais region of France, south of Burgundy. The grape variety's full name is gamay noir a jus blanc, which translates as "white juice from black grapes".
Its parents are pinot noir and gouais blanc, which also produce chardonnay. Gamay was grown throughout Burgundy until the 1300s, when the Duke of Burgundy, Phillipe the Bold, banned it as a "very bad and disloyal plant", so it was driven into the more granite soils of the neighbouring Beaujolais region.
Why is it such a big deal?
Each year on Beaujolais Nouveau Day - the third Thursday in November - the wine is made available worldwide. Our geographical location makes New Zealand the first country where it can be bought.
The phenomenon of the annual release was born out of a race in the 1960s for wine producers to get their first bottles of each vintage to Paris so they could be enjoyed at their best. The release day used to be November 15 but was changed in 1985 to take advantage of weekend sales.
So it's not for cellaring?
Because it's fermented for just a couple of weeks after harvest, Beaujolais nouveau is a youthful wine and should be drunk as soon as possible. The attitude to drinking it is similar to New Zealand sauvignon blanc - drink it young.
What should you eat with it?
It's great to drink on its own and can be served chilled (between 12C and 14C), making it a perfect summer drink.
It is popular in Asia because it goes well with their food, and with most light, elegant seafood dishes. But stay away from spicy food, as it will overpower the wine.
Is it readily available?
It is, although there are now fewer suppliers in Auckland and Wellington. The popularity of the wine is waning as people are tending to drink more pinot noir and pinot gris. Also, some growers may not be producing good, consistent, quality wine.
How can you be sure you're buying a good Beaujolais nouveau?
Make sure it's the current vintage and buy from reputable dealers and importers.
Kevin Lind owns Artisan Fine Wines, in Auckland's Elliot Stables, which is fast becoming a must-visit for those who love fine food. Artisan is not stocking Beaujolais nouveau this season, but Newmarket's Maison Vauron is.
- Detours, HoS
