Back in November of 2014-during my birthday week in Paris, Franc- I had the pleasure of experiencing one on the annual November festivities celebrating the red wine produced from Gamay (Gamay noir à Jus blanc) grapes in the Beaujolais region of France with American expat and Italian friends.
Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated on the third Thursday in November.
Parisians take to the street walking from one wine bar to the next sipping (and guzzling) the young wine which according to Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) regulations must be sold in the same year in which it was harvested. The grapes also must be harvested by hand after which they undergo carbonic fermentation and are bottled just 6-8 weeks after harvested.
These wines do not improve in the bottle, even after years of being held. They can also be used in cooking.
These wines do not improve in the bottle, even after years of being held. They can also be used in cooking.
There's no finesse or pomp and circumstance in its handling and production, but the jubilee surrounding its celebration more than makes up for the lack of refinement.
We spent the night amongst locals dancing and singing along with the live band playing jazzy, New Orleans-style music.
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| The awesome band had the people moving. I found Parisians to be more fun when tipsy! |
The sausage and lentils were delicious. Large rounds of sausage sat upon tender lentils and carrots.
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| Sausage and lentils |
Two rich dishes made their way to our table as well- the Terrine de Lapin (rabbit terrine) and the Paté en Croute (foie gras and mushroom pie)
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| Rabbit Terrine |
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| Foie gras and Mushroom Paté |
And the party was definitely not confined to the restaurant. People's personal vehicles served as bistro tables!
Beaujolais Nouveau 2014 was a once in a lifetime experience and probably the most fun I had in Paris.
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