The third Thursday of November isn’t just any other Thursday. It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day, the celebration of France’s first wines of the vintage—les vins de primeur.

Meant for immediate consumption, Beaujolais Nouveau is made from Gamay grapes and typically vinified by carbonic maceration, which gives it its hallmark fresh, fruity flavors and lightly tannic structure.

Leading Beaujolais vintner Franck Duboeuf is excited about the 2018 vintage. Despite a wet start to the growing season, his team mitigated the mildew threat in the vineyards. “Until May, it was tough,” says Duboeuf, “but we managed the situation.”

Spring was followed by a very dry, hot summer. “I believe it was the second-hottest summer for us since World War II,” he notes. But the heat accelerated grape maturation, and the vines weren’t stressed thanks to deep water reserves supplied by the spring rains.

Duboeuf’s Nouveau harvest began Aug. 27. “We didn’t rush the harvest,” he says. “The first couple of days we had to pick the younger vines, but it was amazing to see how the maturity continued during this period. Very healthy grapes.” For him, 2018 delivers in both quantity and quality, with a slight increase in acidity over 2017.

The Beaujolais region, administratively part of Burgundy, sits just north of Lyon. Here, the red Gamay grape reigns, responsible for 98 percent of wine production. The area’s best and most ageworthy wines come from the 10 cru Beaujolais appellations, but the Nouveau wines serve another purpose: to celebrate the end of harvest and offer wine lovers a glimpse at the quality potential of Beaujolais’ more serious wines still aging in winery cellars.

But the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration has evolved into something far grander than a simple vintage preview. Once a wine created for local enjoyment, the popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau spread to Paris in the mid-20th century. Soon, Beaujolais producers were engaged in a frenzied race each year to see who could get their Nouveaus to the city first.

Franck Duboeuf’s father, Georges, is credited as the mastermind behind turning the release of these wines, especially his own, into a global spectacle. The Nouveau craze brought much-needed post-harvest cash flow to this humble region’s vintners, but the easy-drinking Nouveau wines soon dominated the region’s winemaking reputation. In the past decade, however, the deserving cru Beaujolais wines from top villages like Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie and others have earned the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers looking for affordable but interesting and serious reds.

Showing a bit of his father’s marketing savvy, Duboeuf is debuting a Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé this year, made from Gamay grapes grown on limestone soils. It’s sure to find a place alongside the traditional red Nouveaus on many a Thanksgiving table.

2018 Beaujolais Nouveau

JEAN-PAUL BRUN Beaujolais Nouveau Terres Dorées l’Ancien Vieilles Vignes 2018 Score: 88 | $16
Well-crafted, with an elegant display of fresh cherry and currant flavors, edged with licorice, floral and herb details, all bound together by tangy, integrated acidity. Light tannins frame the mineral-tinged finish. Drink now. 900 cases imported.—G.S.

D. COQUELET Beaujolais-Villages New Veau York 2018 Score: 88 | $17
Fresh and focused, with light, supple tannins framing the cherry, blackberry and currant notes, underpinned by licorice, floral and mineral accents through the herb-tinged finish. Well-balanced. Drink now. 120 cases imported.—G.S.

MICHEL & SYLVAIN TÊTE Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau Domaine du Clos du Fief La Roche 2018 Score: 88 | $18
Focused and balanced, featuring concentrated cherry and currant flavors, cast with herb, tea and white pepper underpinnings. Tangy, with lightly chewy tannins giving texture to the finish. Drink now. 500 cases made.—G.S.

GEORGES DUBOEUF Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2018 Score: 87 | $14
Herb-tinged currant and cherry flavors are fresh and focused in this light-bodied red, with underpinnings of licorice and pepper echoing on the subtly chewy finish. Drink now. 85,000 cases made.—G.S.

DOMAINE DUPEUBLE Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Score: 87 | $18
Licorice and floral details edge the bright cherry, red plum and blackberry notes of this light-bodied red, with spice accents highlighting the juicy, lightly tannic finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported.—G.S.

PAUL DURDILLY Beaujolais Nouveau Les Grandes Coasses 2018 Score: 87 | $13
This Gamay offers focused cherry and blackberry flavors, edged with floral, licorice drop and berry tea notes. Delivers light, integrated tannins. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.—G.S.

DOMAINE DE LA MADONE Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2018 Score: 87 | $13
Open-knit and packed with ripe flavors of cherry and raspberry that are infused with licorice, violet and spice notes, all bound together by light, plush tannins. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.—G.S.

JOSEPH DROUHIN Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Score: 86 | $12
Cherry and tangy raspberry notes are plush and concentrated in this light-bodied red, with licorice drop, banana leaf and tea details echoing on the lightly tannic finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported.—G.S.

GEORGES DUBOEUF Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé 2018 Score: 86 | $14
Bright and fresh cherry, white raspberry and grapefruit notes are cast with a mineral undertone in this crisp, lightly plump rosé. Floral-tinged finish. Drink now. 20,000 cases made.—G.S.

DOMAINE ROCHETTE Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2018 Score: 86 | $11
Ripe black cherry, currant and juicy red plum notes are plush and concentrated in this light-bodied red, with hints of licorice, herb and spice lingering into the finish. Drink now. 2,500 cases made.—G.S.

PASCAL CHATELUS Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Score: 85 | $10
Bright and tangy, with dried herb accents to the cherry and currant notes. Hints of licorice drop and pepper show on the finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.—G.S.

GEORGES DUBOEUF Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Score: 85 | $13
Plump, but backed with a refreshing acidity that highlights the crushed cherry, red plum and cassis flavors interwoven with licorice and floral elements. Offers light, plush tannins. Drink now. 375,000 cases made.—G.S.

LOUIS TÊTE Beaujolais Nouveau Le Pot 2018 Score: 85 | $15 / 500ml
Juicy blackberry and currant notes are marked by herb, pepper and licorice drop undertones. Hints of banana leaf echo on the lightly chewy finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.—G.S.

MOMMESSIN Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Score: 84 | $13
Lively acidity supports the blackberry and red currant flavors in this plump, light-bodied red, with herb and licorice drop details marking the lightly chewy finish. Drink now. 1,793 cases imported.—G.S.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

From crisp, light-bodied whites to robust reds, Portugal is a treasure trove for the adventurous wine lover. Its wealth of indigenous grape varieties, such as the fruity white Alvarinho and the hearty red Touriga Nacional, are what make Portugal stand out. The price points for these high-quality wines make them even more appealing. All of today’s picks cost under $20 and hail from appellations located throughout the country. If you’re searching for something unique to add to your wine lineup, these Portuguese offerings won’t disappoint.

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DUORUM Douro Red Tons 2016 Score: 89 | $11

WS Review: This medium- to full-bodied red has a juicy, plush core held together by fresh acidity that highlights the boysenberry and red plum flavors accented with spice and violet undertones. Moderate, chewy tannins support the mineral and licorice details on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 650 cases imported.—G.S.

Why It’s of Note: Douro reds are typically blends that can consist of five to 10 different grapes. This Tons red is made from native varieties Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz sourced from the Castelo Melhor and Costodio vineyards. Duorum was founded in 2007 by two renowned Portuguese enologists, João Portugal Ramos and José Soares Franco.

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QUINTA DOS MURÇAS Douro Assobio 2016 Score: 88 | $14

WS Review: This medium-bodied red has nice purity to the boysenberry and cherry fruit flavors that are nicely matched with mineral, herb and spice details. Moderate tannins are integrated through the tangy finish. Drink now through 2021. 10,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why It’s of Note: Also a Douro blend, the Assobio from Quinta dos Murças is made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão. Quinta dos Murças is located in the center of the Douro Valley (also check out its sibling winery in Alentejo, Herdade do Esporão). The Assobio was aged in concrete vats and used French oak casks for nine months.

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FONTES DA CUNHA Dão White Mondeco 2017 Score: 87 | $15

WS Review: Spicy and mouthwatering, this light-bodied white has a floral edge and mineral undertone to the lemon and crunchy peach flavors. Offers a crisp, herb-tinged finish. Encruzado and Gouveio. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases imported.—G.S.

Why It’s of Note: Located just south of the Douro, the Dão is a mountainous region with granite-packed vineyards located at altitudes up to 1,500 feet. While production here relies mostly on red wines, great-quality whites based on Encruzado, like this pick from Fontes da Cunha, are gaining recognition. The wine’s good acidity and mineral details make it a good pairing for a variety of dishes, from salads to seafood.

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NORTICO Alvarinho Minho 2017 Score: 87 | $16

WS Review: Creamy citrus oil, lime and yellow apple notes are nicely spiced and detailed with saline mineral and floral underpinnings through the long finish. Drink now through 2019. 4,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why It’s of Note: One of Portugal’s best-known white grapes is the light-bodied and citrusy Alvarinho. It excels in the northern Minho region, which boasts granite and schist soils. Nortico sources its grapes from small vineyard plots called “jardins” located in the towns of Monaco and Melgao. This mineral-driven white pairs well with seafood dishes: Think fish tacos or oysters.

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QUINTA DA PELLADA Dão Dac 2016 Score: 87 | $17

WS Review: Aromas of violet mark the currant and boysenberry fruit of this fresh, medium-bodied red, with licorice, mineral and fresh earth details emerging on the lightly tannic finish. Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen. Drink now through 2020. 1,600 cases imported.—G.S.

Why It’s of Note: Located in the Dão, Quinta da Pellada dates to the 16th century. Winemaker Alvaro de Castro inherited the property in 1980 and has been making wine there since 1989. The Dac 2016 is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen grown in granite, clay and sandy soils; it was fermented in stainless steel and aged in used French oak barrels. Try it with smoked meats and hard cheeses.

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DFJ VINHOS Lisboa Paxis 2016 Score: 86 | $10

WS Review: Juicy, ripe black cherry and red berry flavors are backed into this plump, medium-bodied red, showing licorice, graphite and spice notes edged with light tannins on the savory finish. Tinta Roriz and Caladoc. Drink now through 2022. 145,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why It’s of Note: This pick from the Lisboa region is a blend of Tinta Roriz and Caladoc, a cross between Grenache and Malbec. Winemaker José Neiva Correia sourced grapes from Quinta de Porto Franco, an estate that’s more than 200 years old. Ripe with cherry and berry flavors, this wine can stand up to barbecued meats or cheesy pasta dishes.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Rosé and white wine may be the popular choices for summertime sipping, but the refreshing reds from France’s Beaujolais region are great additions to your warm-weather beverage lineup, especially when served slightly chilled.

While Beaujolais is administratively part of Burgundy, it sets itself apart from its northern neighbor with its signature grape, Gamay, and granite soils. The Gamay grape is light-bodied and has a similar red-fruit profile to Pinot Noir. The best examples offer fresh cherry and raspberry fruit flavors along with some floral, mineral and spice details.

Even more appealing are the price tags for Beaujolais wines: The regional Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages appellations make wines that typically fall within the $10 to $15 range, while the region’s 10 crus, which are generally a step up in quality, can be found at higher but still very affordable price-points, usually between $15 to $30.

Today’s selection from some of my recent tastings is a mix of regional and cru bottlings, all under $30. The high-scorer is from Domaine de Fa, a winery founded in 2013 by the Northern Rhone’s Graillot family. Their Roche Guillon 2016 is a single-vineyard wine from Fleurie, a cru located in the center of the region that boasts pink granite soils. The grapes underwent whole-cluster fermentation and semi-carbonic maceration, which gives the wine a juicy yet complex profile.

Just south of Fleurie is the cru of Morgon. Here, Gamay can take on a fleshier profile; the soils tend more toward schist and volcanic rock. For a plush style, try the Maison L’Envoyé Morgon 2016 from the Côte du Py vineyard.

DOMAINE DE FA Fleurie Roche Guillon 2016 Score: 91 | $29
A juicy yet complex light-bodied red, with mouthwatering acidity accentuating the steeped red cherry, raspberry tea and orange zest flavors. Accents of wild herb and mineral echo on the lightly tannic finish. Drink now through 2024. 300 cases imported.—G.S.

CHÂTEAU DE BELLEVUE Fleurie 2016 Score: 90 | $27
A refreshing, savory aroma lingers through the cherry and dark currant notes of this zesty red, with hints of smoke, leather and spice casting into the herb-tinged finish. Shows light, grippy tannins. Drink now through 2022. 300 cases imported.—G.S.

ALBERT BICHOT Fleurie La Madone 2015 Score: 90 | $29
Pureed strawberry, cherry and peach notes are elegant and supple in this light- to medium-bodied red, with orange blossom, spice and herb flavors dovetailing onto the long, perfumed finish. Offers light tannins. Drink now through 2021. 500 cases imported.—G.S.

MAISON L’ENVOYÉ Morgon Côte du Py 2016 Score: 90 | $20
Plush tannins hug the cherry tart, red plum and spice box flavors of this medium-bodied red, with fresh acidity highlighting details of licorice, herb and mulberry on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,200 cases imported.—G.S.

JEAN LORON St.-Amour La Victorine 2016 Score: 90 | $22
A creamy, fresh red, with a lovely texture encasing the pureed strawberry, peach and licorice spice flavors. Hints of peony and kirsch mark the finish. Features supple tannins. Drink now through 2023. 300 cases imported.—G.S.

DOMAINE DES MARRANS Morgon Corcelette 2016 Score: 90 | $25
Light- to medium-bodied, with a ripe, peachy undertone to the juicy red plum and cherry notes flanked by mineral and dried herb details. Hints of ground anise and briar linger on the grippy finish. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases imported.—G.S.

PAUL DURDILLY Beaujolais Les Grandes Coasses 2017 Score: 88 | $13
Tangy acidity highlights the wild currant and raspberry flavors detailed with underbrush and spice notes in this zesty, light-bodied red. Juicy and savory, with light tannins gripping the finish. Drink now through 2022. 600 cases imported.—G.S.

CHÂTEAU DE PONCIÉ Fleurie Le Pré Roi 2016 Score: 88 | $20
Fresh and focused, featuring a stream of cherry, black raspberry and anise flavors that are lined with floral and mineral details. Clean, with light to moderate tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,000 cases imported.—G.S.

VIGNOBLES BULLIAT Moulin-à-Vent 2017 Score: 87 | $20
Youthful and focused, this red bursts with cherry, violet and apricot elements supported by light, integrated tannins and edged with licorice drop accents. Features a lip-smacking finish. Drink now through 2020. 800 cases imported.—G.S.

LOUIS JADOT Beaujolais-Villages 2017 Score: 86 | $14
A creamy red, featuring a supple profile of pureed cherry, red plum and pomegranate edged with licorice and floral elements. Light tannins frame the tangy finish. Drink now through 2019. 169,000 cases imported.—G.S.