BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU’ IN ARGENTINA

The simple yet fragrant Beaujolais wine has traditionally been the first wine to go on sale following the harvest in France, and since 1985, the release day has been officially commemorated on the third Thursday of November as ‘Beaujolais Nouveau Day’. Dating as far back as Roman times, though gaining prominence during the Middle Ages, bistros throughout France  would hang a sign announcing: "Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé (the beaujolais is here)” at the end of the harvest. The current commemorative day is a tradition which started informally in the 1950s, before becoming official in 1985 when the French government decided to permit the release of the wine at 12:01am on the third Thursday In November. This particular date for ‘Beaujolais Nouveau Day’, which was celebrated on November 16, 2023, was chosen to ensure a consistent release date, allowing people around the world to celebrate simultaneously. 

Beaujolais is a young red wine, produced from a purple-coloured grape variety called Gamay, that is most notably grown in the Beaujolais region of France since the 14th century, after its migration from Burgundy. Gamay, a sibling of the Pinot Noir, is also the grape of the ‘Beaujolais nouveau’, produced exclusively from the more alkaline soils of Southern Beaujolais where the grape is incapable of making drinkable wines without aggressive carbonic maceration. The wine is meant to be consumed quickly after production and the carbonic maceration winemaking technique results in a vibrant red fruity wine that is light with minimal tannins. This technique consists of whole grape clusters being fermented without crushing them and in France, the term “Nouveau” is applied to Beaujolais wines that are made specifically from carbonic maceration. 


In producing ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’-style vintages, the wine is bottled just six to eight weeks after the harvest, presenting a soft colour profile, with a taste high in acidity and low in tannins. These are wines designed for quick consumption, since they do not improve when stored in the bottle for any extended period. In Argentina, this style of wine has been produced by several of the country’s leading vintners as they develop new and exciting ways to tantalise the palates of vinophiles both domestically and internationally. In fact, the ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’-style has been used to produce a variety of vintages that include Bonarda, Pinot Noir and of course, Malbec. 


The phrase ‘Malbec Nouveau’, a reference to the famous French appellation Beajoulais, could soon become more prevalent in the country as more Argentine wineries start making Malbecs (along other varieties and red blends) using the carbonic maceration method. Thursday Food explores a few ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’-style wines, from the South American wine bastion:


Domaine Bousquet Gaia Malbec Nouveau is a 100% Malbec made by the Domaine Bousquet winery in Tupungato. Province of Mendoza, Argentina. The wine is fresh and intense with notes of deep red fruits, among which cherries, plums and sour cherries stand out, with floral and sweet touches. It is juicy in the mouth, with a marked sweetness that flows linearly and leaves a friendly aftertaste.


miKron Malbec is made by Krontiras Wines in the Maipu. Province of Mendoza, Argentina from  100% Malbec grapes. It is a deep ruby red wine with bluish tones that carries "the freshness of the Andes" inside. Fruity and fresh, with the right acidity, it opens in the mouth and leaves memories of ripened fruits wrapped in slightly tannic spicy notes that remain in the mouth, leaving a very pleasant finish. 


Zorzal Eggo Filoso Pinot Noir is a 100% varietal by Zorzal Wines made from grapes grown in the Gualtallary area of Mendoza province. To the eye, this wine appears somewhat opaque and light red in colour. On the nose, it is super intense, with aromas of gunpowder, graphite and chalk, perfectly distinguishing the calcareous soil. It enters the mouth with an incredible texture, electric and sharp like its name, having a great, persistent finish.


Via Revolucionaria Bonarda Pura is a wine produced in Tupungato, Mendoza by Passionate Wine from 100% Bonarda grapes. The wine is a deep red colour with violet notes, expressing intense aromas on the nose of red fruits, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries. This medium-bodied, fresh and agile wine has a pleasant entry in the mouth, exhibiting lots of fruit and is easy to drink. 


Today, Beaujolais continues to evolve, with winemakers exploring traditional and modern winemaking techniques to showcase the diverse and unique terroirs within the region. The emphasis on producing wines that express the specific characteristics of each grape, using carbonic maceration, will no doubt lead to more wines that help to renew interest and appreciation for ‘Beaujolais Nouveau-style’ wines. Salud!





CREDITS:
PUBLISHED IN THE DAILY OBSERVER - THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
ANDRE' WAYNE REID, A JAMAICAN IN ARGENTINA
NOVIA McDONALD-WHYTE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR, LIFESTYLE & SOCIAL CONTENT
RORIE ATKINSON, ART DIRECTOR


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