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2018 Beaujolais Nouveau: Bright Gamays Shine (Wine Spectator)

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.

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7 Turkey Day Chardonnay Wines (and What to Pair Them With) (Wine Spectator)

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.

Before we all go into full hibernation mode and stock up on Cabernet and Zinfandel for the winter, let’s consider pairing possibilities for the upcoming holidays. A classic Thanksgiving choice is Chardonnay. Yes, we all have that one sister or uncle who turns their nose up at Chardonnay because of that one wine they disliked eight years ago. But don’t fret: The wines in today’s selection are crowd-pleasers and made in diverse styles, and not only will they be great alongside turkey, they’ll also pair well with a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes. Plus, they’re bound to win over any “ABC (Anything but Chardonnay)” relatives.


CHAMONIX Chardonnay Franschhoek 2016 Score: 91 | $30

WS Review: Bold, with ginger and hazelnut aromas leading the way for ripe yellow apple, quince and pear flavors. This is well-toasted through the finish, but shows enough fruit and freshness for balance. A showy style that pulls it off. Drink now. 300 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why it’s of note: This wine hails from just inland of the southwest coast of South Africa, in Franschhoek, where surrounding mountains shield the area from ocean influences as well as too much sun. The Chamonix winery believes in limited intervention in their winemaking. This Chardonnay was aged on its lees for 14 months, and is a great example of a New World white with bold, exotic fruit.

Try it with: shredded Brussels sprouts salad with toasted hazelnuts and Sherry vinaigrette


LOUIS LATOUR Montagny La Grande Roche 2016 Score: 90 | $24

WS Review: A bright vein of acidity weaves throughout this white, sharpening the apple, white peach and light oyster shell flavors. Consistent from start to finish. Drink now through 2021. 4,200 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson

Why it’s of note: For classic, Old World–style Chardonnay, there’s no better place to look than Burgundy in France. The Montagny appellation is in the Côte Chalonnaise, in the central part of the region. The grapes for this Louis Latour bottling were grown in limestone, chalk and clay soils. Fermentation and aging took place in stainless steel, resulting in a clean, crisp profile.

Try it with: oyster stuffing


STOLLER Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2017 Score: 90 | $25

WS Review: Bright and fresh, featuring snappy pear and apricot flavors laced with orange peel and spiced cinnamon notes. Drink now. 6,550 cases made.—Tim Fish

Why it’s of note: The 2017 growing season was a little challenging in Oregon, but this Stoller Chardonnay stands out. It’s from Dundee Hills, one of the premier subregions of Willamette Valley. Despite no oak treatment, this white still shows some nice spice.

Try it with: candied yams


CONCHA Y TORO Chardonnay Limarí Valley Marques de Casa Concha 2017 Score: 89 | $22

WS Review: Rich and finely textured, with chamomile accents to the fresh-cut apple, green peach and ripe citrus flavors. Spicy finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,600 cases imported.—Kim Marcus

Why it’s of note: Concha y Toro winemaker and technical director Marcelo Papa’s main goal is to create wines that truly reflect their terroir. Limarí Valley is in the northern half of Chile’s winemaking regions. Despite the area’s latitude, the nearby Pacific Ocean creates a cooling effect, resulting in the fresh citrus and orchard fruit that is associated with more moderate climates.

Try it with: chamomile-almond cake


FIRRIATO Chardonnay Terre Siciliane Feudi Branciforti dei Bordonaro 2017 Score: 88 | $14

WS Review: Hints of oak spice and smoke accent the creamy profile of baked pineapple, mandarin orange and lime blossom in this lightly juicy and balanced, medium-bodied white. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases imported.—Alison Napjus

Why it’s of note: Although most Sicilian wines focus on indigenous grapes, many winemakers have branched out toward international varieties like Chardonnay. This version from Firriato is aged for two months in stainless steel, but has some oomph to it with spice and ripe and tropical fruit.

Try it with: ambrosia fruit salad


LAMOREAUX LANDING Chardonnay Finger Lakes 2016 Score: 87 | $15

WS Review: Direct, with a beam of pear and green apple flavors guided by moderate butter and honeysuckle accents. Offers a rounded, friendly finish. Drink now. 1,525 cases made.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Lamoreaux Landing, located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is dedicated to sustainable winemaking practices. While they have an unoaked Chardonnay in their portfolio, this bottling spends time in stainless steel and both French and American oak.

Try it with: buttery mashed potatoes


BULLETIN PLACE Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Unoaked 2018 Score: 86 | $11

WS Review: The appealing flavors of tangy lemon and peach have plenty to say in a compact frame, with a crisp finish and a smooth texture. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Why it’s of note: While Australia is best-known for its rich Shiraz reds, the country is vast and has multitudes of diverse climates and wine regions, allowing grapes like Chardonnay to thrive. This Bulletin Place bottling, at $11, is a great option for group dinners as you can stock up on several bottles without blowing the wine budget.

Try it with: biscuits with cranberry-citrus sauce