While perfect for a more casual picnic or brunch style wedding rather than a formal sit down dinner, Beaujolais is the fun wine on most wine drinkers list.  Its lack of tannins, candy-like fruity flavors of cherry and raspberry, and low price (even the best Cru beaujolais can be snagged for under $20.00) makes it approachable for everyone (even the non drinker).  Unlike most red wines, it’s fruity flavors benefit from being served chilled (it accentuates it’s fruitiness and allows it to be consumed in large quantity).  All of these qualities help make Beaujolais the life of a party!

Beaujolais is produced in the southern portion of the Burgundy region and is made with the Gamay grape (Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc).  Interestingly enough, French law dictates that the grapes be picked by hand – a characteristic only shared with champagne.  The wine itself is made by a process called Carbonic Maceration (Whole Berry Fermentation) – a process which allows winemakers to extract the juice with minimal tannins.

There are different types of Beaujolais…

• Beaujolais Nouveau – A tradition not only in France but around the world.  The Beaujolais Nouveau is the celebration of the first vintage of Beaujolais.  All the manufactures rush to get it to Paris and in the stores by the stroke of midnight.  It’s only aged a few weeks – and lacks body and taste – it’s overly light and simple, but like anything – it’s a great excuse to throw a wonderful party!

• Beaujolais – It comes from somewhere in Beaujolais

• Beaujolais Villages – This wine comes from grapes of about 30 designated villages.  The wines from the villages are known to be better than from the other areas of Beaujolais.

• Cru Beaujolais – Of the villages that make up Beaujolais Villages – there are about 10 that are recognized as being the best.  These villages are Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Regnie, Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-a-Vent, Chenas, Julienas, and Saint-Amour.

Here are some consistent producers of a good Beaujolais

Any of the Cru Beaujolais would also be a good bet as they are the best of the Beaujolais.

Happy celebrating!

Tags: Libations, Wedding Beverages

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