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Beaujolais Nouveau is the Richie Cunningham of wine. It’s fun-loving, social, complimentary – a true family and friends kind of wine. Yup, this is a wine you can proudly bring home to Mom. It’s only here for a short time, so enjoy it while you can.

Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine of the harvest season, is traditionally released on the third Thursday of November, a date mandated as the official annual release date by French law. In fact, the grapes used to make Beaujolais Nouveau must come from the specific region or Appellation d'origine contrôlée known as Beaujolais, which is located north of Lyon in the eastern part of France. The grapes, by law, must be harvested by hand. The wine is then made using a process called whole berry fermentation, resulting in a wine that is fruity and low in tannins.

Despite being a straight shooter, Beaujolais Nouveau is a genuine party and celebration wine. It provides the first taste of the year's vintage quality and is meant to be about celebration: of the harvest, of the first revenue from a year of hard labor, and of another year past and the approaching winter holidays. This festive once-a-year party wine is made for anyone and everyone.

This decidedly drinkable wine is a terrific compliment to the rich, earthy and spicy flavors of the holidays. Roasts, game, mushrooms, squash, root vegetables and spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg are perfectly complemented by Nouveau's grapey flavor and refreshing acidity. Light and cherry-berry fruity, but not sweet, it's a great wine to serve at holiday parties or to pair with your Thanksgiving meal.

So ring in your holiday season with the Beaujolais Nouveau because with the return of this festive wine, happy days are indeed here again.

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