Years ago, I used to find the Beaujolais label on a wine very romantic. I didn't know then that this was an important wine from the southern part of Burgundy if only because 60% of its red wine came from this region. Made from the early ripening Gamay grapes similar to the dark Pinot Noir of Burgundy, but more juicy and higher yielding grapes it makes very economical, simple, grapy but palatable wine.

November is the month when there is a lot of festivity here, Paris and indeed many parts of the world. Reason: Beaujolais Nouveau (new wine) is officially released at midnight on the third Thursday of November. Earlier, it marked the release of the first wine of a vintage anywhere in the world though a few regions in South of France not controlled by classification did release their wines sooner.

The whole process of harvesting, usually commencing in the first week of September, fermentation, bottling and aging is done in about ten weeks. Nouveau which is about half of the production of the region gives the growers ready cash.

There is a mad rush to get barrels and cases of this light and fruity wine across the globe using planes, trucks and whatever the fastest mode of transport is available. Various French organizations like Air France and the French Embassies, hotels, distributors and wine drinkers all over the world celebrated its arrival. It used to be a good marketing tool which has been losing its importance since the harvesting in the new world countries in the Southern Hemisphere, like Chile, Australia and South Africa is carried out much earlier, in March and April and their young red wines are released in July or August.

The French Embassy, Air France and Maurya Sheraton used to be active participants through the master search to have worked doing the last few years. Last year Imperial Hotel had launched the Nouveau from the House of Albert Bichot. I had been present at the harvest time and had tasted the grapes undergoing fermentation. Oberoi had a similar tasting.

Why am I telling you all this? For one the release date was recent-20th November. Secondly the crop this year has been excellent due to the long hot summer. Grapes were fully ripe in August and the harvesting was completed in August only allowing extra fermentation for two weeks. Wine is expected to be the best during the last 50 years. Besides, this wine is really inexpensive and is already being imported into India. Most importantly this is one wine that goes will with most Indian Foods. It must be drink chilled though, between 10º-12ºC.

There are three Appellations in this region- Beaujolais, Beaujolais Village (vil-laazH) and the top level Beaujolais Cru. Village and the Cru can be made from the grapes of a geographically pre-assigned area. Best it the lowest and most general classification. Next is Village while the top level is The Cru class. This is labeled after the name of one of the ten villages that have been awarded this Appellation. Brouilly (brew-yee), Morgon (more-gohN) Moulin-a Vent, Fleurie and Julienas are the best of them.

Jadot, Janodet, Georges Duboeuf, Chateau de la Chaise are a few of the popular producers for these Applications. To give you an idea of whether you are getting a good bargain, Beaujolais costs appx. $4-5, Village $7-9 and a Cru about $12. in the US. You cannot miss the Duboeuf label in any wine store. He is the one who has popularized the region in the US and many parts of the world and is also available here.

Beaujolais must be drunk young. If you have been gifted a bottle from last year, it has passed its peak. Beaujolais Village can be stored for 1-3 years and the Crus can improve for 3 years and last up to 5 years. So check out from your wine supplier and pick up, as much of this year's vintage on release. It should be available soon in Mumbai, Chandigarh etc. and should be available at affordable price at your local 5 Star Hotel.

Subhash Arora