The release of Beaujolais Nouveau is a big deal in November and a couple of places will be celebrating its arrival Thursday, November 18. The Gamay grape stars in this wine and it is meant to be drunk within six months of bottling. Each year it’s released on the third Thursday of November – literally only weeks after it was still growing on the vine and because it is a light friendly wine, it’s a great reason to party!
At the Wine Vault & Bistro arrive anytime after 5:30 and enjoy a four-course Beaujolais Nouveau Family Style Menu for: $25 2010 Dupeuble Beaujolais Nouveau: $7 glass / $22 bottle. If you’re not on their mailing list, it’s worth it if you are interested in good wine dinners and tastings. For reservations: (619) 295-3939.
Euro Food Depot will celebrate on November 18 from 6pm to 10pm with wine, cheese, charcuterie and macarons. Four pours and food $30. For information: 858-452-9200.
Downtown, Bacchus Wine Market presents Beaujolais Nouveau and other first releases on Friday, November 19th (4pm to 8:30pm) and Saturday. November 20th (2pm to 8:30pm). Cost is $15 each day. For information: 619-236-0005.
LATE ADDITION: While we’re wining, The WineSellar & Brasserie, Paris Driggers is the new general manager and wine buyer. He’s been in the business for 15 years selling wines to top notch venues and brings a wealth of experience to the shop. Upstairs in the Brasserie chef Kevin Smith (who has worked in many of California’s top kitchens, including Patina in Los Angeles) is updating the menu. This gem of a store and restaurant is tucked away in an unlikely industrial park, just down the hill from Qualcomm and is worth a visit. 9550 Waples Street, (858) 450-9557.
I love the blog and never want to rain on anyone’s event but I just cant believe this is getting written about here. Beaujolais Nouveau is one of the wine world’s biggest marketing scams. The truly great producers would have nothing to do with this annual joke. It’s the ‘Critter Wine’ of Beaujolais. You don’t have to take my word on it. Just ask Paris Driggers!
Don’t want to come across as a total curmudgeon. To clarify: Beaujolais Nouveau is an important time in Beaujolais for each season and there are good examples which may likely be presented at these upcoming local events. Critter wine is perhaps a bit extreme. The unfortunate thing is that this release sucks up most of the consumer’s attention for the region which rightfully should be placed in the Cru bottlings. The average wine enthusiast has very little exposure to these wines. I’m talking about producers like Foillard and Breton. For those interested I suggest searching out some of Eric Asimov’s NYT reviews for this region. He’s got a great palate and much greater pen than mine.