Beaujolais Nouveau 2010 Release
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Upcoming this week is the release of the 2010 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. It's the first wine released yearly from the Northern Hemisphere grape harvest. The wine is always released on the 3rd Thursday of November at 12:01 am Central European Time (CET) which means it's available for Thursday parties and events!
The wine is made from the Gamay varietal in the southern portion of Burgundy. It is meant to be drunk young while it's fresh, lively and fruity, so they employ a rapid means of fermentation called carbonic maceration, which also eases the normally acidic nature of the grape. I recently received a sample of 2010 Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau and was eager to taste and share the notes with you. The wine is full of strawberry and ripe cherry along with cinnamon hints, a touch of minerality, smooth tannins and high acidity. It's very light and not lengthy on the finish, but a good wine to share with friends and even try with your Thanksgiving turkey. (84 WG)
If you're planning on going out to celebrate the release, here's a few local spots to try:
- Vertigo Sky Lounge. Hosting a "midnight" release party on Wednesday 10pm-1:30am to unveil 2010 Georges Duboeuf. Reservations are required.
- Whole Foods-Lincoln Park. Join them for free samples in the wine department. 12pm-9pm.
- Union League Club. $50 in advance will get you: tastes of Beaujolais Nouveau and more French wine, food & spirits, souvenir photos, chance to win a trip for 2 to Paris, and a 2010 commemorative wine glass. 6pm-9pm.
- Chicago French Market. Come in for free samples of Beaujolais Nouveau. 4pm-7pm.
- Bistrot Zinc. Join them for a three-course meal and a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau for $29.95. Reservations recommended.
- Bistrot 110. A $25 tasting of Beaujolais wine and seasonal samples. 6-8:30pm. Reservations recommended.
Whether you are go out or stay in, I hope you enjoy some Beaujolais Nouveau friends and family!