Only slightly late this year, two of the three Nouveau wines offered at ABC weren’t even available on November 21st, third Thursday of November and the official launch day for Beaujolais Nouveau. This delay was caused by the particularly late harvest this year.

The year 2013 was characterized by a long winter and a rainy springtime which delayed the flowering and caused a later than usual harvest that took place throughout the month of October. On the other hand, it limited the harvest's quantities. There was a lot of millerandage (many small fruits on the clusters). This creates tannic and richly colored wines but produces smaller quantities.

The smaller crop in 2013 did not discourage Beaujolais Nouveau pool parties in Tokyo where the swimming pool is actually filled with wine! Japan consumes more Beaujolais Nouveau than the rest of world combined.

Celebrating with Beaujolais Nouveau in Japan.

The 2013 Beaujolais Nouveau exhibits typical for the style aromas and flavors of raspberry, banana, strawberries and floral notes of poppy flower and violet; this vintage has more saturation of color and polyphenols than the previous two vintages.

Beaujolais Nouveau should be served slightly chilled as aperitif or to complement a variety of dishes like grilled meats, pastas and roasted pork and poultry. It is the perfect complement to the holiday turkey meal. Do not miss on a great holiday wine!

The following three Beaujolais Nouveaux are available at most ABC Fine Wine & Spirits stores: Jean Saint Honoré, Rochecorbière and Georges Duboeuf. 

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwineatanas