Bouchard Aine & Fils Beaujolais Nouveau

Bouchard Aîné & Fils Beaujolais Nouveau is a 750ml, 12% ABV French red wine made from 100% Gamay Noir using carbonic maceration. Produced by one of Burgundy's oldest négociant houses — founded in 1750 — this annual release arrives each third Thursday of November, capturing the essence of the year's harvest in a bright, immediately drinkable style. Wine Enthusiast critic Roger Voss has praised the wine's ripe, food-friendly character and juicy red-berry fruit.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.0%  |  Origin: Beaujolais, France  |  Style: Nouveau (current vintage)  |  Producer: Bouchard Aîné & Fils, Beaune

Production & Heritage

Bouchard Aîné & Fils was established in 1750 in Beaune, the historic capital of Burgundy's wine trade. Although headquartered in Burgundy, the house sources Gamay Noir grapes from the granite-rich hills of the Beaujolais appellation to produce this nouveau. The wine is made through carbonic maceration: whole, hand-harvested grape clusters are placed uncrushed into fermentation vats, allowing fermentation to begin inside each berry's intact skin before pressing. This technique extracts vivid fruit character while keeping tannins low, yielding a wine designed for immediate enjoyment rather than cellar aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh raspberry and redcurrant, followed by hints of cherry and subtle spice. A light floral lift rounds out the bouquet, keeping the impression charming and uncomplicated.

Taste: On entry, the palate is juicy and supple, with bright red cherry and wild strawberry flavors. Mid-palate, refreshing acidity balances a touch of cola-like sweetness, while the body registers fuller than many nouveau wines. Tannins remain soft and unobtrusive throughout.

Finish: The finish is velvety and fruit-driven, with lingering raspberry and redcurrant trailing off cleanly. It is moderate in length, leaving just enough flavor to invite another sip.

How to Drink Beaujolais Nouveau

Serve this wine lightly chilled — around 55°F (13°C) — to amplify its fruit intensity and keep the acidity vibrant. It is at its best within months of release and does not require decanting. A Kir (topped with a splash of crème de cassis) plays off the wine's berry character. A simple Sangria using seasonal citrus and stone fruit lets the Gamay's softness carry the drink. For a French classic, use it in a casual Beaujolais Cup — a punch with orange liqueur, sparkling water, and fresh fruit — ideal for November gatherings.

Best For

• Celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau Day with friends on the third Thursday of November
• Serving at Thanksgiving dinner alongside roasted turkey and cranberry sauce
• Introducing red wine to those who prefer lighter, fruit-forward styles
• Casual charcuterie nights where an easy-drinking red is the centerpiece

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beaujolais Nouveau taste like? It is a bright, fruit-forward red dominated by fresh raspberry, red cherry, and wild strawberry, with soft tannins, medium acidity, and a velvety finish. The overall impression is juicy and approachable rather than structured or tannic.

How does Beaujolais Nouveau compare to Zinato Bardolino Novello? Both are young, carbonic-maceration-style wines released shortly after harvest, but Beaujolais Nouveau is made from 100% Gamay Noir grown in France, while Bardolino Novello uses Corvina-based blends from Italy's Veneto region. The Beaujolais tends toward brighter berry fruit, whereas Novello often leans slightly more herbal and cherry-driven.

Is Beaujolais Nouveau good for beginners? Yes — its low tannins, approachable fruit character, and moderate 12% ABV make it one of the most welcoming red wines for people new to the category. Serving it slightly chilled further softens any rough edges.

Where is Beaujolais Nouveau made? The grapes are grown in the Beaujolais appellation in southeastern France, just south of Burgundy. Bouchard Aîné & Fils, the producing négociant house, is based in Beaune, Burgundy, where it has operated since 1750.

What foods pair well with Beaujolais Nouveau? Roasted turkey or chicken complements the wine's soft fruit without overwhelming it. Charcuterie — especially saucisson sec and pâté — mirrors its French origins. Mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert echo the wine's creamy texture. Mushroom tarts and roasted root vegetables match the subtle earthiness underneath the fruit. Cranberry-based dishes harmonize with the wine's red-berry profile, making it a natural Thanksgiving companion.

What sizes does Beaujolais Nouveau come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle. Availability in other formats may vary by vintage and market.

Is Beaujolais Nouveau worth the price? It positions as an accessible, entry-level French red, priced in line with other nouveau-category wines. Its value lies in the seasonal event it represents and the immediate drinkability that carbonic maceration delivers — it is not meant to compete with aged Cru Beaujolais but rather to celebrate the new vintage in a festive, unpretentious way.

Why Beaujolais Nouveau?

Bouchard Aîné & Fils brings nearly 275 years of Burgundian winemaking pedigree to a wine category built on freshness and celebration. The house's use of hand-harvested Gamay and whole-cluster carbonic maceration preserves bright, primary fruit that defines what nouveau should be. Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast has highlighted its ripe, food-friendly character — a quality that separates it from thinner nouveau bottlings that can taste hollow. For anyone marking Beaujolais Nouveau Day or simply looking for a vibrant, chillable red to pour through the autumn and early winter months, this bottling delivers honest Gamay fruit backed by a historic name.