Beaujolais is a wine rooted in French culture. It is produced in the northern part of the Rhône department and in some communes of Saône-et-Loire. A whole week is dedicated in France to an event to celebrate the end of the wine making process, which marks the beginning of the marketing of this wine. This event is called the Beaujolais festival. If you want to learn more about the French culture, you should definitely read this article.
Origin of the Beaujolais festival
On September 8, 1951, a decree was published in the official journal stating that French wines with appellation of origin, can be marketed only from December 15, 1951. Such a publication was not well received by the wine unions, who were quick to oppose it.
Thus, on November 13, 1951, an administrative note was issued under pressure from these unions. This note specified that under certain conditions, wines of controlled appellation could be sold without delay and thus without waiting for December 15. This is where the Beaujolais Nouveau appellation came from.
Since then, the date of the launch of the marketing of Beaujolais has been frequently modified over the years and has been set for the 3rd Thursday of November. Thus, in French culture, on this date the Beaujolais festival has always been celebrated.
Places of production of Beaujolais wine
Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine of primeur which is often produced in the vineyards of Beaujolais within the appellations contrôlées Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages. The Beaujolais vineyard is located on essentially granitic grounds north of Lyon and south of Mâcon. It produces mainly red wine based on the Gamay grape. It is a very old vineyard, but it is still relevant today.
Beaujolais Nouveau: a very commercialized wine
Beaujolais is a drink made from grape juice that is very popular with consumers. Each year, nearly 40 million bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau are sold. Its biggest importer is Japan which celebrates the Beaujolais festival in the same way as France. After Japan, the United States and Germany are the most important importers of Beaujolais.
This wine is very well known because of the festive and joyful image it reflects. It is a simple drink with a fruity taste that is easily digestible and announces the arrival of a new vintage. It is appreciated by the producers, because its sale on the market is fast and favors a good income.
The accompaniments of Beaujolais wine
To better enjoy Beaujolais wine in French culture, the French accompany it with simple foods such as cochonaille du cru, rosette de Lyon and brioche sausages in mind. However, it can also be accompanied by Bresse poultry, Burgundy snails, Saint Marcellin or Félicien cheeses or Lyonnaise salad.
To fill up with flavors, some French people prefer to taste it with meals concocted with sea products. Thus sardines or crayfish tails are also excellent accompaniments to Beaujolais wine.
How to serve Beaujolais wine
For the consumption of Beaujolais wine in the French culture, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 14/15°. This way it can be consumed chilled, but not iced. Now you know a lot about the French culture and mainly about the Beaujolais festival.
