Community Corner
'Special Edition' Westchase Wine of the Week: The Beaujolais Nouveau Has Arrived!
Each Thursday we bring you a Westchase wine proprietor's Pick of the Week. Every selection will be a bottle you can find right here in the neighborhood.
DeBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais, France
Where can I find it in Westchase?
Price: $6 glass / $15 bottle
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The story of the Beaujolais Nouveau: It's a celebration of life, the bountiful harvest, and passing of the seasons. Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine made from the Gamay grape, and is always released the third Thursday of November, regardless of when the harvest starts.
At midnight on the third Thursday of each November, thousands of cases of Deboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey through the countryside of France to Paris to be prepared for shipment all over the world. Banners proclaim the news: “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” Translated: "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" This is one of the most celebrated wine rituals in the world.
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Some California wineries might label their wine "Gamay Beaujolais," but this is not the same grape varietal as what is grown in France; it has a different taste and growing environment.
"What makes Beaujolias Nouveau different from other French red wines is the process of carbonic maceration," says Napa Flair owner LuAnn Shapiro, "where whole grapes are fermented in a carbon dioxide-rich environment prior to crushing." The Beaujolais grapes are grown in the only vineyards where harvesting by hand is a mandatory part of the process.
"This wine is meant to be enjoyed while it is young, it is best before Christmas Day," says LuAnn, or the very latest, other say, by the following spring after its release. It should be served slightly chilled, at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, the wine is more refreshing and the taste is more “fruit forward" than when served at room temperature.
Food pairing suggestions: "Beaujolais is perfect to pair with Thanksgiving dinner," says LuAnn. "It goes nicely with all the traditional holiday foods -- turkey, sutffing and cranberry sauce. It really brings out the flavors of this particular meal."
Heard it through the grapevine: Napa Flair offers private wine classes for small corporate groups and groups of friends who wish to learn more about wine. 'Tis the season for bubbly and LuAnn can help you choose the perfect champagne and sparkling wine pairings for your upcoming holiday parties.