Beaujolais Nouveau this week!

This is Beaujolais Nouveau week! Beaujolais is a wine made from the Gamay grape only in France. Every third Thursday of November Beaujolais Nouveau is released. In France, there are celebrations and fireworks. In the U.S., there are Beaujolais tastings galore.

Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine that is truly made for drinking now. By the time May comes around, it may be too old to drink because it will have lost its fruit. Beaujolais Villages is made to age, but Nouveau is exactly what it means … new, fresh, and ready now. In my opinion, it has characteristics similar to an inexpensive California-style Pinot, and can be paired with many of the same foods. It is usually less than $10.00, and the 2006 is supposed to be outstanding. By the way, it should be served slightly chilled.

Be sure to check out Khoury’s on Eastern this week, as well as the various Lee’s locations for tasting information. Marche Bacchus (http://www.marchebacchus.com) has dinners from Thursday through Saturday that will celebrate the release and offer a glass of Beaujolais for the special dinners.

Thanks to Suzette for sending me information about Bonjour Bistro (http://www.bonjourvegas.com) on S. Eastern that will also be serving Beaujolais dinners this week.

I just found out about a tasting that takes place each week at BJ'S Lounge, 218 E. Tropicana. There is a $10.00 cover charge and it’s every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

And don’t forget the free tastings each Thursday evening at Khoury’s or each Saturday morning at Marche Bacchus. Be sure to support their efforts to bring you fine “non grocery store” wines by purchasing those you like while at their establishments.

Enjoy Beaujolais week!