Beaujolais wine, Red wine appellation in Beaujolais region, France
Beaujolais is a red wine from the region of the same name north of Lyon, made mainly from the Gamay grape variety and marked by its fruity taste and light structure. The grape grows on granite-rich soil in gentle hills, which gives the wine particular freshness and liveliness.
The Romans already cultivated vines along the Saône river, but only from the 7th century onwards did Benedictine monks expand wine production systematically. In the 19th century the area became known when the railway made transport to Paris easier and the wine grew popular in the capital.
The name Beaujolais comes from the small town of Beaujeu, which was the center of this wine area during medieval times. Today the wine is poured in many French bistros and often drunk with simple dishes, making it an everyday companion.
The wine is best served slightly chilled at around 55 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 15 degrees Celsius) so that its fruity aromas come through well. It pairs well with light dishes such as salads, cold cuts or grilled poultry and is also suitable for beginners.
Every year on the third Thursday of November the Beaujolais Nouveau is released, a young wine from the fresh harvest that is celebrated worldwide. This custom began in the 1950s as a marketing idea and has since grown into an international event.
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