Yes boys and girls, it is that time of year again - the time when the French celebrate the season and bring us the first fermented juice of the crop. This year the LCBO is bringing in 5 Beaujolais Nouveaus and 3 other nouveau-style wines, two from Italy and one from the Languedoc region of France. I was at the LCBO 2 hours ago (Tuesday November 18, 2008 - 2:00pm) tasting these wines and the first thing I will say about them is that they were warm, very warm, like sitting on the heater type warm ... Beaujolais is meant to be served chilled - forget what you heard about red wines being servered at room temperature, when it comes to Beaujolais serve them chilled. Okay, so I got that off my chest, now on to the reviews - the following is my top 3 selection from this year's crop ... I was looking for value as well and drinkability.
Albert Bichot 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau ($13.45 - #112409) - of the 5 Beaujolais this was most certainly the best and most drinkable. The nose and taste are very similar, containing an element of candied cherries and red licorice as well as some good acidity. Pricier than some, less pricier than others, but if you're looking for that fresh sweet fruit this one's got it.
Negrar Novello del Veneto 2008 ($9.95 - #899955) - from the Veneto region of Italy where they make Valpolicella, so are we to assume that this is made from the Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes? This one is smooth with good cherry/raspberry flavours and there is a hint of red licorice on this one too ... good candied fruit. Good price.
Jean Jean 2008 Syrah Primeur ($9.95 - #899948) - the first thing you'll notice is the electric neon pink colour of this wine, the bubblegum nuances from my first taste of this wine a week ago have subsided, but there is still plenty of raspberry and cherry on the nose and a pleasant sweetness on the mid-palate. The finish is most definitely raspberry.
Albert Bichot 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau ($13.45 - #112409) - of the 5 Beaujolais this was most certainly the best and most drinkable. The nose and taste are very similar, containing an element of candied cherries and red licorice as well as some good acidity. Pricier than some, less pricier than others, but if you're looking for that fresh sweet fruit this one's got it.
Negrar Novello del Veneto 2008 ($9.95 - #899955) - from the Veneto region of Italy where they make Valpolicella, so are we to assume that this is made from the Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes? This one is smooth with good cherry/raspberry flavours and there is a hint of red licorice on this one too ... good candied fruit. Good price.
Jean Jean 2008 Syrah Primeur ($9.95 - #899948) - the first thing you'll notice is the electric neon pink colour of this wine, the bubblegum nuances from my first taste of this wine a week ago have subsided, but there is still plenty of raspberry and cherry on the nose and a pleasant sweetness on the mid-palate. The finish is most definitely raspberry.
Drink these wines now and over the next few months.
