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I know there is a writers' strike going on right now, maybe I am just missing my “Letterman Top Ten” lists or just inspired by a glass of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. Whatever the reason, here is our top ten list! 10: All the grapes in the Beaujolais region must be picked by hand. These are the only vineyards in France other than the Champagne, where hand harvesting is mandatory. 9. Beaujolais Nouveau is always released the third Thursday of November, a week before Thanksgiving regardless of the start of the harvest. It takes the guesswork out of what pairs well with Thanksgiving dinner. 8. Beaujolais Nouveau is very easy to drink thanks to the winemaking process called carbonic maceration, also known as whole berry fermentation. This winemaking technique preserves the fresh, fruity quality of the wine, without extracting bitter tannins from the grape skins. 7. Approximately 1/3 of the entire crop of the Beaujolais region is sold as Beaujolais Nouveau. 6. You can take a bath in it (literally) Spas in Japan have begun offering a very unique spa experience; guests of the spa are able to bathe and swim in the wine while drinking it. 5. The Label Art – Every year Beaujolais Nouveau Producer Georges Duboeuf changes his label to match the wine’s young fresh colorful attitude. 4. Party with over 10,000 of your friends. Each year in Beaujolais thousands gather for the official release countdown. 3. Saying ‘Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!' while wearing a beret is fun. 2. Who doesn’t love a bargain? At only $10.99 a bottle or less it is one of the wine world’s best bargains. 1. Forget waiting around unlike most other french wines, Beaujolais Nouveau is ready approximately 2 months after it was harvested. If that wasn't enough, you do not have to cellar Beaujolais Nouveau. It is meant to be drunk young. On average, vintages should be consumed by the following May after its release. However, in excellent vintages (such as the 2000 vintage) the wine can live much longer and can be enjoyed until the next harvest rolls around. Oh and did I mention it’s just yummy? I hope this list inspires you to go out and try a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau with your friends and family. Cheers! |
