Discover the fascinating history of Beaujolais Nouveau, the primeur wine celebrated every year
Beaujolais Nouveau, the long-awaited primeur wine, is back to delight our taste buds! Every year, the third Thursday in November marks the beginning of a wine celebration that extends far beyond the borders of France. Let’s dive together into the captivating history of this festive nectar, whose origins date back more than seven decades.
The historical roots of Beaujolais Nouveau
The history of Beaujolais Nouveau is closely linked to that of the wine region from which it comes. Located between Burgundy and the Rhône , Beaujolais is renowned for its characterful wines. But it is its primeur wine that has won the hearts of wine lovers around the world.
The origins of this tradition date back to the 19th century, when the first barrels were opened as soon as fermentation was complete, during their journey on the Saône. But it was in 1951 that the Beaujolais Nouveau festival was officially established . That year, a legislative change allowed the early marketing of primeur wines, giving rise to the "Beaujolais Nouveau" appellation.
As a passionate sommelier, I have had the opportunity to explore the vineyards of Beaujolais and discover the subtleties of this unique wine. Its history is captivating, mixing winemaking tradition and evolving business practices.
Characteristics and production of Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is distinguished by its unique organoleptic qualities. Made from the Gamay Noir grape variety , it offers a bright red color and pronounced fruity aromas. Its youth, its frankness and its deliciousness make it a very convivial wine.
The production of this primeur wine requires special know-how. The winemaker must choose precisely the ideal moment for the harvest, in order to capture the very essence of this young and exuberant wine. Here are the key stages of its production:
- Manual harvest of Gamay Noir grapes
- Vinification by carbonic maceration
- Quick fermentation (about a week)
- Early bottling
Beaujolais Nouveau represents about a third of the total annual production of Beaujolais , or nearly 55 million bottles. In 2021, more than 18 million bottles were marketed, half of which were internationally.
A global and festive phenomenon
Over the years, Beaujolais Nouveau has become much more than just a wine: it is a true cultural and commercial phenomenon. Today, it is celebrated in more than 150 countries , from Japan to the United States to Germany.
The Beaujolais Nouveaux evening, held on the third Thursday in November since 1985, gives rise to numerous festivities. In Beaujeu, the birthplace of the appellation, the Sarmentelles festival marks the start of the celebrations with a night-time procession and the tapping of the first barrels at midnight precisely.
As a wine traveler, I have had the chance to attend these celebrations in different countries. The enthusiasm surrounding Beaujolais Nouveau is a testament to its ability to bring people together around values of sharing and conviviality.
| Country | Annual consumption (in bottles) |
|---|---|
| France | 9 million |
| Japan | 5.5 million |
| UNITED STATES | 1.8 million |
The future of Beaujolais Nouveau
Although sometimes criticized for its characteristic banana aromas, Beaujolais Nouveau continues to evolve. The region's winemakers are constantly working to improve the quality and diversity of their wines . The interprofessional organization now speaks of "Beaujolais Nouveau", emphasizing the variety of aromatic profiles offered.
We are also seeing a renewed interest in other Beaujolais appellations, which offer red and white wines of great finesse. This trend could help to strengthen the reputation of the entire wine region.
Ultimately, Beaujolais Nouveau remains an essential ambassador of French viticulture. Its rich history, its festive character and its ability to bring people together make it a unique phenomenon in the world of wine. So, whether you are an enlightened connoisseur or simply curious, do not hesitate to raise your glass this third Thursday of November to celebrate this age-old tradition!
