Everything you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2024
I love the celebratory aspect of wine. From the first pop of champagne on Christmas Day morning, to that ice-cold glass of rosé enjoyed under bright blue skies – the right wine can make or break an event.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day taps into that sense of occasion and creates the perfect opportunity to savour a glass or red wine (or two) ahead of the start of the festive season. Here's everything you need to know.
So, what is Beaujolais Nouveau Day?
Beaujolais Nouveau Day begins as the clock strikes midnight on the third Thursday of November (it takes place on 21 November this year). It’s only at this moment that the newest release of Beaujolais Nouveau – a light and fruity French red wine made from Gamay grapes – can legally be opened.
This strict rule (I had to sign NDAs and wasn’t allowed samples ahead of writing this piece – highly unusual for wine writers!) only adds to the fun, with many producers racing to get the first bottles distributed here in the UK and around the world.
What does Beaujolais Nouveau taste like?
Unlike many wines that often improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is bottled just a few weeks after harvest and is designed to be enjoyed immediately.
Light, fruity and easy drinking, you can expect notes of banana, strawberry, dark cherry, bubblegum and kirsch. Bright and fun, it’s best served slightly chilled.
We’d pair Beaujolais Nouveau with a charcuterie board – think saucisson, paté and rillettes. A few cornichons and radishes wouldn’t go amiss, and finish with a crusty baguette and lashings of salted French butter. Add a mature camembert or brie if you really want to push the boat out.
Where to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Many parts of France celebrate with parties, fireworks and music. However, if you’re looking for something a little closer to home, interestingly Beaujolais Day is particularly popular in Swansea, Wales. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, you’ll find many restaurants and bars taking part in the celebrations, with tables for the day often booked up to a year in advance.
Elsewhere, Londoners can get in on the action at Gordon's Wine Bar where the wine will be served alongside a full English breakfast (no, the irony is not lost on us). If breakfast wine is a step too far, Davy’s Beaujolais Nouveau Part-Yay starts at 5pm, with the promise of a selection of crus to taste (including mulled Beaujolais!), alongside live jazz. And it’s happy hour all day at all three Top Cuvée venues.
Alternatively, go all out at Noble Rot (arguably one of London’s very best wine bars), which is serving a four-course menu for £125, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Action Against Hunger.
And you’ll find me propping up my local bar, Yardarm. Meet at 7pm to join the Beaujolais 5k run with the Slow Running Club, or just pop in for a drink, with £1 from every glass going towards local food bank charity, Eat or Heat. Cheers!
Of course, Beaujolais doesn’t have to be Nouveau (which isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste – one friend likened her first sip to rotting banana – not the most glowing review, but she’s not entirely wrong either).
The best Beaujolais that isn’t Nouveau
Boasting a versatile range of reds and whites across 12 appellations and 10 distinctive crus, Beaujolais wines are the ideal companion for warming autumnal dishes and festive feasts.
From the lush fruitiness of Brouilly to the refined elegance of Juliénas, cru wines pair beautifully with classic Christmas roasts and indulgent side dishes, bringing a touch of French finesse to the Christmas table. These are my top picks.
Beaujolais cheat sheet
(Take this with you next time you go shopping!)
The ten crus of Beaujolais each offer distinct expressions of the Gamay grape, reflecting the diversity of the region’s terroir.
Saint-Amour – Fruity with floral aromas, often showing a hint of spice. Soft and approachable.
Juliénas – Rich and structured, with notes of red fruit and a touch of spice, often more robust.
Chénas – The rarest cru, known for its floral, earthy character and firm tannins; ages well.
Moulin-à-Vent – One of the most full-bodied, with dark fruit, spice and structure for ageing.
Fleurie – Elegant and fragrant, offering floral aromas with soft red fruits and a smooth texture.
Chiroubles – Light and fresh, with lively acidity and bright red berry notes; easy drinking.
Morgon – Complex and earthy, with dark fruit flavours; known for developing “Burgundian” character with age.
Régnié – Balanced with juicy red fruit, light tannins, and a hint of spice; easygoing and versatile.
Brouilly – The largest cru, offering a fresh, fruit-forward style with gentle tannins.
Côte de Brouilly – Grown on volcanic slopes, it’s structured with minerality, depth, and notes of dark fruit.
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