What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?
“Fear not November’s challenge bold. We’ve books and friends, and hearths that never can grow cold. These make amends.” – Alexander L. Fraser
November is undoubtedly my favourite month of the year.
Why ? Well amongst many reasons, one is that it starts with my birthday- first of November, so the entire month is special for me. With just a slight nip in the air, it is the best weather of the year. Governed by the zodiac sign of Scorpio, November births produce individuals with intensity, passion, and adventurous spirit – that could be a bit of self flattery but I think I’m like that. Lastly it is also the birthday month of some famous personalities whom I like, prominent ones being Aishwarya Rai and Sharukh Khan.
But being an ardent wine enthusiast, the month of November is also significant to me for a special kind of wine : the Beaujolais Nouveau.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is a French red wine made from 100% hand-picked Gamay grapes and is produced under the Beaujolais AOC appellation.
It is what’s known as a vin primeur, a young wine sold in the same year it’s harvested which is meant to be consumed shortly after.
To produce it, winemakers carry out a quick fermentation process, macerating the grapes for only 3–4 days, to create a wine that’s fresh and fruity which some also call it as the fastest wine.
History and Tradition
Beaujolais Nouveau was originally a rather basic, easy-to-drink table wine enjoyed by vineyard workers to celebrate the end of the harvest season. Later, it was sent to local Paris cafés and restaurants, where it began to gain popularity.
But it wasn’t until the 1970s that the wine really took off thanks to clever marketing by businessman Georges Duboeuf. He heavily publicised the November arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau world over and its thanks to him that the third of November became to be known as the Beaujolais Day
Legally Beaujolais Nouveau can only be sold after 12:01 am on the third Thursday of November. Throughout France, local parties are held to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day, with fireworks, music, food, and of course, wine. Bars also host special events with Beaujolais Nouveau wine tastings, and the Japanese even partake in a little wine bath to mark the occasion.
Beaujolais Day Celebrations at New Delhi
New Delhi, the capital city of India has a vibrant wine culture supported by hotels, restaurants, bars and wine clubs. This year a Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting is being organised by the Association des agents de la’Ambassade de France en Inde at the premises of the Embassy of France in New Delhi on 21st November.
Today I halt this blog post here itself and will add more to it after attending the ibid Beaujolais Nouveau tasting on coming Thursday.
Cheers !!
🙌👍🎉