It’s that time of year again…Beaujolais Nouveau Day! Every third Thursday in November, the Beaujolais region in France buzzes with excitement as people eagerly await the release of the highly publicised Beaujolais Nouveau wine, marking the end of a long, tiresome harvest. However, as with all things 2020, this year’s celebrations will be a bit more subdued due to Coronavirus restrictions. As a result, projected Beaujolais Nouveau sales are down by 25% according to EuroNews.
Well, I’m certainly not going to let this bloody virus ruin my Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2020! I’m still going to have my own personal celebration from the comforts of my home. Yes, it may not be filled with the same pizzazz as in previous years, but hey, at least I’m making the effort. Check out my Guide for how to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau 2020 from the comforts of your…home…ugh…still?!?!? Yes, we will get through this!
Have you managed to get your hands on a bottle of this year’s eagerly awaited juice? I’ve managed to grab a bottle, of Georges Duboeuf ‘s 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau, who was the marketing genius behind the whole Beaujolais Nouveau wine movement.
Sadly though, he passed away in January of this year. Another reason to dislike 2020!!! I had to pre-order it just to be sure I got this particular bottle, as this is THE ONE to buy. Georges Duboeuf’s Beaujolais Nouveau wine has showcased a unique artist-designed label for several years, reflective of the year’s vintage. In 2017 the winery created a contest for artists to submit their designs so the public could vote on the winner. Check out some of the submissions for 2020…they’re beautiful! This year’s winner is Maeve Croghan and her artwork will be on the USA version of Georges Duboeuf’s 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau.
What’s all the fuss with this wine?
Not wanting to dampen anyone’s spirits, but it’s simply a really good example of strategic marketing. On it’s own, Beaujolais Nouveau wine is made from Gamay grapes using the quick vinification process known as Carbonic Maceration. It’s actually not the most impressive red wine as it’s fresh, fruity, should be drunk young and can even be chilled! Gasp!! Remember…it’s not what you drink but who you drink it with. Georges Duboeuf, both a wine enthusiast and savvy businessman, must have also believed this because he managed to take an average wine and paired it with an eagerly anticipated annual event to celebrate it in the company of others. What more could you ask for? I’ll drink to that!
My 2020 Guide to a Socially Distanced Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
- Taste few different Beaujolais Nouveau wines. Be sure to compare, contrast and write tasting notes.
- Learn all you can about Beaujolais Nouveau; the history, the region and the wines.
- Discover new food pairings that perfectly complement your bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau
- Design your own Beaujolais Nouveau 2020 label