The holidays are rapidly approaching and it feels as if the weather is backing up the seasons play. That’s why we here at The Noble Grape have vowed to step up our tasting game. And what better time to pull out the “big guns” than right before Thanksgiving? This Friday, The Noble Grape will feature wines that are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, but before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s chat about Beaujolais Nouveau...
Each year on the third Thursday of November, a wine style called Beaujolais Nouveau hits the shelves worldwide. This marks Beaujolais Nouveau Day, a celebration of this wine, its release, and its region. Retailers and winemakers are not allowed to sell the year's Beaujolais Nouveau vintage until then. Beaujolais is a wine region tucked in the Burgundy region in the French alps. For centuries, Beaujolais wine was only a local affair, not widely drank or respected elsewhere.
This all changed in 1951 with the help of some smart wine marketing wizards. They needed to figure out how to make the Beaujolais wine harvest more profitable and the wine more widely recognized. So they cut back on restrictions of when they could release the newest vintages of Beaujolais wine to the middle of November and called this wine Beaujolais Nouveau ("New Beaujolais"). Furthermore, they conjured up an annual race to see who could get their Beaujolais Nouveau to the Paris markets first. And finally, after a long years wait, Beaujolais Nouveau Day triumphantly returns this Thursday! Be sure to snatch up this perfect party wine while you still can!
This Wednesday, The Noble Grape will be pouring a few of Connoisseur Wines best and brightest wines including Bastianich Friulano, Macphail Pinot Noir, Ventisquero Carmenérè, and Bellafina Pink Moscato. The Ventisquero Carmenérè has a deep red color with some violet tones. The nose features berry notes consistent with blueberries and blackberries along with some black pepper, tobacco and chocolate. The palate is very expressive giving a good body, rich with structure and round with soft tannins. The finish is very long and pleasant, perfect to warm you up on a cold night.
On Friday, Brian from Compass Wine and Spirits is in charge with a Thanksgiving tasting that will knock your socks off! Les Caves du Prieuré Cremant, Domaine Andre Neveu Sancerre, La Chaussynette Rosé, Alto Limay Joven Pinot Noir, Bodegas Riojanas Canchales, and Wild Hog Zinfandel will all be on the table as Brian talks turkey with you. Swing by this tasting and be the hero of your Thanksgiving festivities!