Beaujolais nouveau 2024: it's here, here are our 5 favorites

Born in 1951, Beaujolais Nouveau enjoyed its heyday in the 60s and 70s. The bistros of France came alive to the rhythm of its release. Although the effervescence of the early years has faded somewhat, the wine still has a loyal following. With over six million bottles exported each year, Beaujolais Nouveau has become an ambassador for France abroad.

when is Beaujolais nouveau 2024 released?

In 1985, a decree set the marketing date at the third Thursday in November. The 2024 vintage has been available for sale since Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Why does Beaujolais Nouveau fall on a Thursday?

Beaujolais Nouveau is always released on a Thursday, because it's a compromise that makes it both festive and practical. Setting the date for the third Thursday in November ensures that :

• It's a weekday: This allows people to celebrate with friends or colleagues after work.
• It's not on a Monday or Friday: This avoids the party falling just before or just after the weekend.
• It's a regular date: The third Thursday in November has become an unavoidable date, allowing everyone to plan ahead.

Is Beaujolais nouveau 2024 any good?

Beaujolais nouveaux are produced on the 8,000 ha of the Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Village appellations. These wines come from a multitude of terroirs and climates, which has a major impact on their organoleptic qualities. The vintage effect will also be important. 2024 wasn't all plain sailing. Between frost, cool temperatures, heavy rain and even hail in some places, winegrowers had to overcome numerous difficulties.

In fact, Beaujolais winegrowers had the impression of working the equivalent of two years in the vineyard in one. Jean-Marc Lafont, President of Inter Beaujolais, confirms: " Rarely has a vintage demanded so much attention from the winegrowers, throughout the growing year. ". Fortunately, the warm, sunny month of August enabled the grapes to reach a good level of ripeness. Overall, the wines are fruity and fresh. A fine expression of silky red wines, perfect for any occasion. The Beaujolais nouveaux will already be very pleasant to taste from Thursday, November 21, 2024, but if you cellar them for between six months and a few years, you could be in for some nice surprises.

Our five favorite Beaujolais nouveaux 2024 wines

The editorial team tasted no fewer than 111 samples of new Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages. Discover our five favorites. the ones that tickled our taste buds.

1. Domaine Pertuizet, Beaujolais Villages Nouveau "Gégé" 2024

A wine with a greedy nose of red fruit, flowers and a pretty note of vine peach. The attack on the palate is soft. The wine is round and suave, with the tannins arriving a little later. They're still young, of course, but they're lovely, slightly powdery, and bring relief. A wine that goes a long way thanks to its black fruit aromas.

• Score : 92/100
• Price: € 9
• www.domainepertuizet.fr

2. Domaine des Prévelières, Beaujolais Nouveau 2024

A deep purplish color introduces a rather flattering nose of red and black fruits, as well as flowers. Slightly heady notes that need to open up with a touch of pepper. Full-bodied, fleshy and fruity on the palate, with a lovely spicy, spicy finish. We can't get enough.

• Score : 92/100
• Price: €10
• www.beaujolais-morel.com

3. Domaine Chardigny, Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2024

A first nose full of flowers with lilac and honeysuckle combined with a small bowl of wild fruits (wild strawberry, wild blackberry), sprinkled with a few sweet spices. On the palate, it's elegant and airy, but still racy, with a silky, spicy texture. A long finish of pepper and red fruit. A wine that pinotes and will find its place both as an aperitif and at the table.

• Score : 93/100
• Price:€14.50
• www.domaine-chardigny.com

4. Château Cambon, Beaujolais Nouveau "Cambon Nouveau" 2024

A wine with a light raspberry color. Complex nose with notes of blood orange, coffee, tobacco and redcurrant. Elegant on the palate. Finesse is the name of the game, with a silky touch. Fruity aromas are enhanced by a hint of spice and aromatic herbs. A serene wine that plunges us into meditation.

• Score : 92/100
• Price: €14
• www.chateau-cambon.com

5. Julien Mathon, Beaujolais Nouveau "Toutencanon" 2024

A nose that expresses Gamay with its typical notes of red fruit and pepper. On the palate, the same aromatic flavors continue to spice up this juicy, delicious wine. Fresh and full of energy.

• Score : 92/100
• Price: €8
• www. Julien-mathon.fr

What to eat with a glass of Beaujolais nouveau?

Very accessible, Beaujolais nouveaux offer easily identifiable aromas and know how to be seductive. They're ideal as an aperitif with charcuterie and/or cheese. An unpretentious pairing that perfectly matches the conviviality of this primeur. They are also an excellent accompaniment to all kinds of dishes, including French classics such as Bresse poultry or salade lyonnaise. They also go very well with chocolate desserts.