Beaujolais nouveau!

The third Thursday in November is not the grandest date in the wine calendar but it is one of the most frivolous. Last thursday was Beaujolais Nouveau day, when Beaujolais celebrates the release of its latest vintage. In stark contrast to Bordeaux's drawn out en primeur campaign, Beaujolais's latest vintage is released without fanfare for immediate enjoyment.

View from Domaine de la Rochette

Unlike the 'classic' mouthwash taste typical of Beaujolais Nouveau, this was a surprisingly good and already well developed wine. This could bode well for the 2011 vintage. Domaine de la Rochette in Régnié has produced a great little wine.

In true burgundian style we tasted the wine with gougères. It had a surprisingly deep violet core; attractive Beaujolais bubble gum nose; very light, silky fruit & lots of granite minerality without excessive acidty and a short 'ribena' finish. 1* 6/10

A prodigal Beaujolais

I can't remember the last time I drank Beaujolais, but I now know is that it was too long ago! Like the return of the prodigal son, this wine not only marks my return to this blog after a long absence, it is also a reminder that in my world of wine, Beaujolais was lost but is now found.

When it comes to the 2009 vintage, Bordeaux may have stolen the headlines and more than it's fair share of the money, but it wasn't the only French region to produce good wines. So, having heard how good the 2009 vintage was supposed to be in Beaujolais, I sought out this little gem from the Wine Society (a bargain at only £7.50). Chateau d'Emeringes is a Beaujolais-Villages wine from the hills above the crus of Chenas and Julienas.

The chateau, nestled in Emeringes village

Chateau d'Emeringes, Beaujolais-Villages, Vieilles Vignes, 2009


Appearance: deceptively dense, sumptuous deep purple core with lilac rim
 
Nose: heady fruit cordial and smell of grapes fermenting in a cellar
 
Palette: instantly appealing, bursting with ripe fruits (blackberries, strawberries, raspberries) but with a concentrated sweet undertone that reins in the fruit to form a dense and long finish that's like a fruit coulis
 
Conclusion: dangerously easy to drink & deliciously fruity but this is no bimbo! 2.5* 7/10