It's time to accept that we are getting closer and closer to the end of another great year. The bad news is that each of us is getting a year older. The good news is that the annual Beaujolais nouveau release is just around the corner. Every year on the third Thursday of November,he Beaujolais nouveau or new Beaujolais wines are released. There are many fans of this annual event and there is always a bit of a rush to get a bottle.
Beaujolais wines are made from the Gamay grape and can be found in the Beaujolais region in Eastern France. There are 10 different Cru or locations within the Beaujolais region. The ten Beaujolais Crus differ in character. The region is known internationally for its long tradition of winemaking, uniquely emphasized the use of carbonic maceration and more recently for the popular Beaujolais nouveau.
What is a Beaujolais nouveau wine? Each year, Beaujolais nouveau wines are made from grapes harvested in late August and early September. The wine is then fermented for a few days before being bottled for consumption. Beaujolais nouveau is a light, fruity-flavoured, young wine with few types of tannin, andis meant to be opened while young, and not cellared. In fact, this wine is ready to drink now, and should not be kept for more than one year.
The largest producer of Beaujolais nouveau is George Duboeuf. Well recognized for the unique artwork on its bottles, the Duboeuf winery bottles change from year to year. Duboeuf is said to design a tie made to match the labeleach year, which he then makes available to a very select few distributors.
Getting ready for the holiday season? The second wine I'm featuring today is a sparkling wine from Italy. I often encourage drinking sparkling wines at any occasion, and so it won't shock you to learn that I tried this Martini Prosecco on a weekday. The sparkling wine section in my store is one that doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Most people associate sparkling wines or champagne with celebration or special occasion, and the holidays are certainly around the corner, but I believe that everyday should be a celebration!
Dominique PIRON
2009 DOMAINE DE LA CHANAISE (+131557)
BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES
France
$16.99
While the Beaujolais nouveau I am featuring today - Villages Domaine de la Chanaise - may not be from a producer as famous as Duboeuf, it certainly deserves a try. Domaine de La Chanaise 2009 is made by Dominique Piron, a well-known winemaker in the Beaujolais region. This red wine is bursting with fruity goodness, thanks in part to the eastern exposure it receives, ensuring the grapes are kept warm throughout the night. Anthony Gismondi has rated this wine 87 points out of a possible 100.
Producer Dominique Piron is said to be one of the best producers of Beaujolais wines. I'll let you be the judge. The vineyards are located, of course, in the Beaujolais region of the Beaujolais Cruand close to the Cru of Morgan. Morgan is known to produce full-bodied wines very similar to Burgundy wines. The soils in this vineyardare full of tiny stones and sand that help hold in the day's heat, which is then evenly distributed to the vines throughout the cool nights. This ensures the aromas and flavours of fruity cherry come through with a hint of licorice and floral on the finish. Try one now with almost any pasta dish or with cheese. Or, you can save it for Christmas dinner.
MARTINI
PROSECCO (+ 639310)
ITALY
$14.99
Italy's Veneto region, which is about 40 miles from Venice, is home to some of the country's most fertile vineyards. It is the third largest wine producing region of Italy, where the Prosecco grape varietal is grown. Prosecco is sometimes also known as Frizzante. I have mentioned in the past that sparkling wine can be suitable at any occasion, and this one proves that. The versatility of the Prosecco is almost endless. Not only can it be used as an apritif, but it can accompany any spicy or salty dish, and it can be the perfect after-dinner treat in a peachy Bellini or Mimosa cocktail. Aromas and flavours of pear, peach and apple will satisfy your taste buds. It has just the right amount of bubbles, nothing overwhelming. Thiswine was featured in a tasting at the store and the overwhelming response was everyone liked it, even our customers that don't usually enjoy wine.
