WRAY & Nephew wine connoisseur Marilyn Bennett describes Beaujolais 2006 as “a unique delight, an unrivalled pleasure, a tasty, flavourful vintage of outstanding quality”. With her assistance we discovered more: The 2006 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau is magnificent, bright, deep ruby colour with aromas which are particularly attractive for their fruitiness and finesse, giving off ripe red berry scents containing hints of blackcurrant, strawberry, raspberry and black cherry and the merest hint of spices.

The taste?

It’s hearty, smooth and full-bodied, continuing the floral, fruity theme found in the aromas. The lovely structure lines the palate with aromatic impressions sustained by pleasantly mellow, fresh tannins.

Beaujolais facts

The annual arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau is one of the most exciting events in the wine lover’s calendar. By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is to be released no earlier than the third Thursday of November regardless of the start of the harvest.

In just half a century, sales of Beaujolais Nouveau have risen from around a million bottles to more than 70 million bottles.

Gamay is the only grape permitted for Beaujolais and the grapes must be picked by hand.

Fanfare aside, what makes Beaujolais so popular especially in the United States where consumption of white wine is ahead of red? Simply put, Beaujolais Nouveau is about as close to white wine as a red can get, a result of the way it’s made: The grapes must be pressed early (after only three days); the phenolic compounds – in particular the astringent tannins, normally found in red wines – isn’t there, leaving an easy-to-drink, fruity wine.

How to enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau?

Serve Beaujolais chilled. Gulp rather than sip. It’s a wine to be enjoyed in high spirits rather than critiqued. It’s also a great transitional wine for anyone wanting to move from white to red wines.

Drink lots!

Half the fun of Beaujolais Nouveau is the knowledge that on the same night, in homes, cafes, restaurants, clubs, bars, hotels and bistros around the world, the same celebration is taking place.

Beaujolais Nouveau hasn’t the pedigree to be a classic wine, but it is always good. please feel free to regard any other opinion as boorish and uninformed.

Georges Duboeuf is distributed by J Wray & Nephew Limited.