Artisan Cheeses By Wine Type: Beaujolais

Beaujolais is very light, fruity, and easy to drink. It typically has aromas of pear, banana, and like smells. Because of its easy drinkability, there is a lot of cheap, jug wine - normally served in 46cl (note this is NOT 1.2 gallon as the Oxford Wine Guide says!) containers. On the other hand, the Crus produce fine quality, crafted wines. Beaujolais Nouveau is the first output from each harvest - ready exactly on the Third Thursday of November each year. It's a celebration across the world, as people gather to taste the first Beaujolais of the new season.

Around half of Beaujolais is from Bas Beaujolais, at 10% alcohol. A small amount is Beaujolais Superieur, 10.5% alcohol. One quarter is Beaujolais-Villages, and the remainder is split beteween other varietals. Beaujolais has a distinct wine making method - a combination of carbonic maceration and chaptalization, or adding sugar to boost the alcohol content.

Beaujolais owes much of its fame to Georges Duboeuf, who promoted it far and wide. He controls 10% of Beaujolais production. Louis Jadot also creates a fine wine.

How long can you keep a Beaujolais for? Beaujolais Nouveau should be drunk IMMEDIATELY - it is barely even wine, being released so soon after the harvest. Most Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages should be drunk within 2 years. Some of the best crus can last 3, and some made in more 'traditional' winemaking styles could last up to 10 years if it's a really good vintage.