Download a PDF version of this Press Release

COMING SOON: BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU!
On November 19th, the long-awaited Beaujolais Nouveau will be heading to restaurants and retailers near you

New York, NY, November 16, 2009 – On Thursday, November 19th, the highly anticipated, global phenomenon that is Beaujolais Nouveau will once again be in full swing. This year's release is especially exciting because it will offer wine drinkers everywhere the first taste of what looks to be a historical vintage. So, while Beaujolais offers a wealth of quality, diverse wines that can be enjoyed year-round, the 2009 Nouveau is sure to be a memorable one, marked by festive parties and celebrations all around the world.

Just in time for the holidays, the aromatic, fresh and fruit-forward Nouveau wines complement many different foods and cuisines, making it the ideal choice for pairing with a wide spectrum of dishes and flavors. Although it boasts a two thousand year-old history, the popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau continues. This is a testament to the unpretentious, fun and easy-drinking wine that has inspired annual celebrations in many different countries and cultures for generations.

Not industrial or mass-produced, Beaujolais Nouveau wines are made in the Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages appellations using a unique vinification process that is specific to the region. Winemakers carefully monitor as the whole bunches of Gamay grapes undergo a short maceration period for four to five days. A perfect balance must be reached between fresh fruit aromas and flavors without the astringency of too much tannin. Nouveau wines generally share similar characteristics; however, the combination of different soil types and the winemaker's individual style gives each wine its own unique expression.

In addition to Nouveau, the appellations of Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages and the ten Crus - Brouilly, Chiroubles, Chénas, Côte-de-Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Régnié and Saint-Amour – produce a vast range of refined, complex wines that make excellent food partners. So, when the Nouveau celebrations of 2009 have passed, there are many other expertly crafted Beaujolais wines to be enjoyed until the next shipment of Nouveau hits U.S. shores.

About Inter Beaujolais
Inter Beaujolais is the official wine-trade organization of the region. Its primary mission is to promote Beaujolais wines in France and in key export markets through raising awareness of the region. In addition, Inter Beaujolais is responsible for three other major activities: research and development - they boast the largest research facility in France - economic studies to best position their offer, and lastly, the protection and the defense of Beaujolais AOC. For more information, please log on to the newly launched: www.beaujolais.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
JoLynn Howe
Sopexa USA
T: +1 212-386-7416
Email: jolynn.howe@sopexa.com

INTER BEAUJOLAIS MEDIA CONTACT:
Mélina Condy
Press Relations
T: +33 (0)4 74 02 22 16
Email: mcondy@beaujolais.com