Beaujolais nouveau time … and Melvyn Minnaar welcomes a local version

On November  16,  at seconds past midnight,  the world got the first taste of what is now called  – seriously and successfully hyped as – Beaujolais Nouveau. By decree granted in 1951, the first wines from that French appellation are released – having become the signature ‘white red’ wine for early drinking.

Millions of bottles are sold and consumed, and this year, according to the well-oiled marketing organisation operating on behalf of the producers in the twelve regions of this part of Burgundy, the 2006 vintage is most promising; ‘In short, it is a joy to crunch in to, like a mouthful of sunshine on the eve of winter, a zest of summer that’ll bring a smile to your lips.’

In South Africa, the only official welcome of the release of the new 2006 Beaujolais seems to be a celebration by the Alliance Française in Port Elizabeth. But there is no reason not to participate with a local version made from the same gamay noir grape. While, sadly, only two wines made in similar style to Beaujolais Nouveau are on the South African market, they are great and different summer alternatives to the stock stuff. Villiera makes one for Woolworths, while Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch has just released its 2006 vintage – a delicious fruity wine if ever there was one (costing around R30).