Celebrate an Autumn Tradition with Beaujolais Nouveau!

 

Beaujolais has always made a vin de l'année to celebrate the end of the harvest, but until after WWII it was only for local consumption. What exactly is Beaujolais Nouveau? It's a wine made from the Gamay grape (the main grape in Beaujolais, which is in the far South of the Burgundy region) only 6-8 weeks after harvest, meant to offer an early forecast of the vintage, as well as a fun use for the grapes that are not from one of the ten Cru Villages. In the 1970s, the tradition of having a race to Paris to be the first to arrive with the new vintage of wine began. 

 

While the wine is by no means "serious," that's kind of the point: this is very easy-drinking wine with minimal tannins and an emphasis on fresh fruity flavors (and please note that "fruity" and "sweet" are not synonyms). It's party wine, meant to enhance enjoyment, rather than inspire deep thoughts and a sheet full of tasting adjectives. It's great with a slight chill on it (serve at about 55 degrees). Those who love lighter reds like Pinot Noir will really enjoy it, as will those who usually prefer whites. It's also a nice wine to have around at Thanksgiving, as it's palatable to nearly everyone who might show up at your table (for more Turkey Day recommendations, see below!).

 

Kermit Lynch may have said it best (as usual!): "What a concept, downing a newborn wine that has barely left the grape, a wine that retains the cornucopian spirit of the harvest past. It even serves to remind us of the first time man tasted fermented grape juice and decided it was an accident of nature worth pursuing."

 

We have wines from two different negociants to offer: the famous George Duboeuf $16, and the lesser-known (but more elegantly packaged) Louis Tete $15.

 

On Sale 

There's Chardonnay . . . and then there's White Burgundy. Technically, they're the same thing. But many consider Burgundy's version the penultimate. It bears little resemblence to what has become the "standard" taste of Chard: oak, butter and heft. We have the perfect wine to offer those who prefer fruit, mineral and finesse.

Henri Perrusset Mâcon-Villages: SALE $16 (was $20)

Mâcon is one of the sites, the terroirs, where the Chardonnay found a reason for existing. They never mucked their wines up with the flavor of new oak, and with good reason. This fresh, gulpable wine has a precocious bouquet of apple, peach, and floral notes. It is fleshy yet seems light on its feet, with intriguing stoney nuances. Flavorful, ripe, dry Chardonnay, made for pleasure.

 

What's a Feast Without Wine?

When food and relaxation are the focus of a holiday (what a great concept, by the way!), wine seems like an essential accompaniment to both. We will be closed on Thanksgiving, so come by early and beat the day-before crowd. We look forward to helping you pick the perfect wine to pair with your cuisine and the varied palates of all your relatives.

 

Here are some of our recommendations:

 

Courtney:

 

- Splurge: Alphonse Mellot Sancerre (France, $30): "One of the richest Sancerre's I've had: an amazingly complex array of fruit, with an absolutely luscious texture, balanced by the perfect acidity."

 

- Save: Domaine Mittnacht Pinot Blanc (France, $18): "This luxurious wine reminded me of homemade applesauce, with notes of wild flowers, pears and nutmeg. My mouth is watering all over again just thinking of it! Plus, it's organic."

 

- Splurge: Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas (France, $28): "Impeccable structure with dynamic spicey pepper and refined berry flavors that will bring out the best in any turkey."

 

- Save: Luccarelli Primitivo (Italy, $12): "A great alternative to Pinot Noir: hints of ripe plums and maraschino cherries with a light body and a touch of earth. Almost too quaffable (keep it away from Uncle Bob!)"

 

Will:

 

-Splurge:  Karlsmuhle Riesling Kabinett "Kaseler Nies'chen (Germany, $25)  Riesling from the Ruwer area of Germany are prized for spiciness and delicacy.  This wine is laced with flavors of baked pear and cinnamon. 

 

-Save:  Champalou Vouvray (France, $20) 

With lovely aromas of pear, quince, anise, and brown spices, this comes to the palate polished and creamy in texture, and with ethereal delicacy. A definite crowd-pleaser!

 

-Splurge:  Domaine Diochon Moulin-a-Vent (France, $25)

A very sturdy Beaujolais but one that offers up plenty of rich raspberry scented fruit and an earthy note that reminds you of the Pinot Noirs grown just to the north.

 

-Save:  Villa Giada Barbera d'Asti (Italy, $14)

Barbera's bright acidity and density of fruit make it a great turkey wine as well as the perfect compliment to all the trimmings. 

 

 

Tyler:

 

-Splurge: Piere Gimmonet 1er cru Blanc de Blanc (France, $50): "People forget that Champagne pairs amazingly well with a wide variety of cuisine. Apples and citrus flower come across with generous creamy texture. A wine that is elegant and graceful and makes Veuve seem sharp, tart and watery."

 

-Save: Kuentz Bas Alsce Blanc (France, $15): "Made from grapes most people have never heard of this appeals to fans of just about any white wine. Medium body filled with pear, citrus, hints of  yeast, with clean mineral filled finish. Pairs well with anything on the table."

 

-Splurge: Le Macchiole (Italy, $36) "From one of the prestigious estates in Italy. Loads of freshness, minerality, red and black fruit, spice and a touch of licorice. This 2001 will be drinking really well on Thanksgiving."

 

-Save: Stephen Vincent Crimson (California, $11): " Syrah based blend with lots of dark berries, supple, but soft tannins. Really well made wine that tastes like it should cost more."