The 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau is Released

Made from the harvest of Gamay grapes in France’s Beaujolais region, Beaujolais Nouveau is a popular wine only made available on third Thursday of November. 

According to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, each year, the grapes are harvested by hand, with no barrel aging, allowing the young wine to retain much of its light, fruity flavor making it a perfect pairing to popular holiday foods. 

"As a result of the work of famed négociant Georges Duboeuf, the release of Nouveau has become a world-wide phenomenon with a race to get the first bottles to markets around the globe. More than 60 million bottles will be distributed worldwide," according to the PLCB.

An article in the Washington Post says "French law prohibits new batches of the light-bodied and fruity wine, made from Gamay grapes, from being served until the third Thursday in November, making the opening of the rapidly aged and bottled wine an event. To sip it is to celebrate the harvest with the first 2012 wine that will hit your lips."

The PLCB will hold tastings in PA Wine & Spirits Stores across the state beginning Nov. 15. A complete list of participating stores is available online

The 2012 vintage will be available to purchase for $9.99 for 750ml bottles through Sunday, Nov. 18 and $12.99 thereafter at many PA Wine & Spirits Stores.  The 1.5 liter bottle will be available for $23.99 while supplies last.

Local tastings are scheduled for:

• Nov. 18 from 2-4 p.m. at Crest Plaza Shopping Center; 1516 N Cedar Crest Blvd.
• Nov. 24 from 4 to 6 and Nov. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley; 3060 Center Valley Parkway