As an admitted Francophile I was quite excited last year about the Beaujolais Nouveau release of wine. After purchasing a bottle at $15, I was completely and utterly disappointed. I could not even finish the bottle, which is saying something for me – because I’ll usually drink just about any swill. At $15 this lesson was particularly painful because I generally like to buy wine for less than $10 a bottle (as I said any swill will usually do) unless it’s a special occasion.
So this year I shall say “pffft” to the Beaujolais, it’s all about marketing anyway and drink something a little more palatable. I think the Beaujolais must taste better in France where the opening of the Beaujolais is quite the event, but then again I think everything tastes better in France.
Maybe I’ll see what other French wine I can purchase with my precious $15 or stick with the Spanish wines I’ve been drinking lately. Cortijo Rioja from Central Market is a current favorite and is made from 80 % tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. Tempranillo wines tend to be very mellow, smooth, and easy to drink (a little too much so). So Au Revoir for now Beaujolais.
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Josie,
I’ve been drinking a lot of Spanish wine of late as well. Small batch Garnachas and Tempranillos have been among my faves, too. Check out Chilean Carmenere (I’ve been happy with the Saint Helena Reserve at Goody Goody – $9.99) for something fun in the direction of the Spanish blends. And I’m still going to check out the Nouveau. It’s different every year…
Thanks for the wine suggestions Ian! I will put them on my shopping list and the price is right too. Let me know what you think about the Nouveau, I just hate blowing good money on bad wine.
Meh. Not awful. Just dull. Tried two different bottles. One was sad, only really drinkable if you were experiencing extreme thirst. The other wasn’t bad. Tasted like bubblegum – not a flavor I go looking for often. Inexpensive though, so there was that. I’m on board with you from now on – unless in France, avoid the Nouveau.
Well, Cheers! Thanks for the doing the “hard” work for me