Le Beaujolais Nouveau 2005 arrived like royalty, wrapped in red, and in a shiny Peugeot 407, with police outriders and blaring sirens.

Gorges Vanin, first counsellor, French Embassy, displays a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau. (Photos: Joseph Wellington)

It changed hands and headed towards the more than 200 guests at the Grogg Shoppe at Devon House Thursday evening, who were anxiously awaiting the red, light, fruity French wine that, on the third Thursday of each November, is delivered in dramatic fashion to venues around the world.

In the past, the wine has been carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck, helicopter, Concorde, elephant, runners and rickshaws, making the ritual one of the most frivolous and animated in the wine world.

This year's Beaujolais Nouveau is said to be one of the best in the past 50 years. It is warm, lingering, and as sexy as the melodic French background music that soothed J Wray and Nephew's guests Thursday.

Deep sighs of satisfaction could be heard after the wine started flowing among guests.

It's a wine that can be consumed by itself, or with pizza, garlic or French bread with spicy fillings and a host of everyday foods.
Le Beaujolais Nouveau must be served well chilled.

It is distributed by J Wray and Nephew Limited and is available at Rum Roast and Royals at Devon House.

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