Join a Worldwide Wine Celebration This Nov. 19 — Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Holly Riddle
With November comes Beaujolais Nouveau and, accordingly, Nouveau Day.
On the third Thursday of the month, oenophiles wait with great anticipation as the latest vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau is finally released for sale to the public, all over the world.
Lauded winemaker Georges Duboeuf is often credited with taking Beaujolais Nouveau and Nouveau Day from local tradition to an international celebration. To learn more about this wine and its appeal, as well as the special occasion surrounding it, we spoke with Adrien Duboeuf-Lacombe, Georges’ grandson and deputy general manager for Georges Duboeuf Wines.
What is Beaujolais Nouveau and Nouveau Day?
For those unfamiliar with Beaujolais Nouveau, Adrien gave us a quick run-down: “Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine made from the Gamay grape and produced in the Beaujolais wine region of France. It is called ‘Nouveau’ because it is bottled only a short time after winemaking is completed, resulting in a remarkably fresh, vibrant and fruit-driven wine.”
“For wine enthusiasts,” he added, “it offers a wonderful first glimpse of France new vintage, while for newcomers, it is a great introduction to Beaujolais because it is so approachable and easy to enjoy.”
Beaujolais Nouveau is distinct as a chillable red. It’s refreshing, with floral notes and moderate tannins. It’s versatile. It’s, in short, wonderfully drinkable.
As mentioned, each year’s bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau are released mid-November and it’s great cause for fanfare. For Adrien and his family and team, the day caps off a year of hard work in the vineyards and cellars, and is the first opportunity to share the new vintage with its fanbase. For those who eagerly await the release, it can similarly be a special or even emotional time.
Adrien described, “There is … something very special about knowing that, on the same day, people in France, the United States, Japan and many other countries are opening and enjoying the new vintage together. Few wines create that kind of shared moment.”
Taste the 2026 Beaujolais Nouveau for Yourself
Want a glimpse into the 2026 vintage? When we spoke with Adrien in August, he said it was still a bit early to give a definitive description, as harvest was only beginning at that time. However, he expressed optimism.
“2026 has been a particularly warm and early growing season, and the grapes have developed quickly. At this stage, we are seeing very promising fruit,” he said. “Of course, the final weeks and the harvest itself remain extremely important. Our priority will be to preserve the freshness, aromatic expression and balance that are essential to Gamay and particularly important for Beaujolais Nouveau.”
If you make tracks to your local New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet location this November 19, don’t keep the 2026 vintage all to yourself. This is a wine meant for sharing and it’s just about as accessible and easily enjoyable as wine can get. You don’t even really need to worry about special glassware or decanting, Adrien said.
He recommended serving it slightly chilled, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (it only needs about 20–30 minutes in the fridge), alongside food such as charcuterie, pâté, cheeses, roast chicken or simple French dishes. If you choose to serve it at Thanksgiving (an excellent choice), the wine will expertly accompany your turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and other classic dishes.
Adrien told us that, “For our family, Beaujolais Nouveau is much more than a wine.” After giving it a try, you may just find that Beaujolais Nouveau gains a special place in your household as well.
Chilled Beaujolais Nouveau with Rosemary-Honey Simple Syrup
A fall-ready beverage that’s ready in minutes and elevates the flavor of Beaujolais Nouveau to be the star of the show!
Ingredients
- 5 oz Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, chilled
- 1/2 tsp rosemary-honey simple syrup per glass (recipe below)
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
Steps
- Combine equal parts honey and water with 2-3 rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan.
- Warm gently until honey dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep 15 minutes. Strain and cool.
- Pour chilled wine into a glass, stir in a small spoonful of the cooled syrup, and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Rosemary not your thing? Feel free to swap it out for your favorite seasonal herb!
