Don't Fear the Grape

Last Friday I had the pleasure of having my first glass of the 2009 Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau with a small group of friends. While I did anticipate tasting it for the first time, I was still skeptical due to my past experiences with the Duboeuf, because in past years it hasn’t been what I would call ‘drinkable’ due to flaws like bitterness and even mustiness. But all 2009 Beaujolais are supposed to be the best in fifty years. Yes, 50 years! This is due to excellent growing conditions such as weather and overall climate. On our Beaujolais Nouveau podcast, we tasted a Beaujolais Villages Nouveau, which was very good, and I looked forward to comparing it to the Duboeuf.

Tasting: 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Price: Under $10.00
Varietal: 100% Gamey
Region: France > Beaujolais

Ahhh. The Duboeuf this year is excellent. It’s light, smooth, and totally drinkable. And while it has overall less complexity as the Villages Nouveau, it really surprised me. The light fruit flavors combined with its smooth drinkability makes this year’s Duboeuf Nouveau one of the best I’ve had in years. But the ‘best’ in 50 years? With only a handfull of previous nouveaus under my belt, I can honestly say this year’s is easily the best of them. This wine pairs with most any food, which makes it a ‘no-brainer’ when choosing a wine to share with friends and family at any get-together. And it’s easily approachable for those who usually don’t drink wine, especially red wine.

Nouveaus are meant to be drunk young, so don’t hold on to a nouveau for long. Watch for the nouveaus to be on sale at the end of the year, for this reason. But watch out for older vintages past this year’s vintage, as most nouveaus have at most a year’s shelf life.

Pick up the Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau. You won’t be disappointed!

Patrick’s Rating: Like It