Beaujolais Nouveau 2024, Amsterdam edition

In France and elsewhere, every third Thursday of November is a wine celebration day, “Le Beaujolais Nouveau.”

The Beaujolais Nouveau is a 100% Gamay Wine made in the Beaujolais appellation after harvest using carbonic maceration for a few days. It is hosted on the third Thursday of November every year.

This cultural phenomenon, even if its modern form is very recent, is celebrated in France and around the world. Until recently, the wine was not so great, and it was only an occasion to party. But since, many producers have followed minimal intervention winemaking practices, using indigenous yeasts and avoiding additives. The natural Beaujolais Nouveau has more profound and delicate aromas than the conventional ones.

What to expect this year? This year was complicated, with a lot of rain before the harvest, but there are some very interesting wines.

I tasted the Julien Sunier Paye Ton Bojo Nouveau, vibrant, fresh, and spicy, Raphaël Saint-Cyr, French Kiss Kanon, Light and fresh with some floral notes, Romuald Valot, Chrysalide, Fresh and dynamic.

In general, you can expect a light fruity wine, with a bright colour, red fruits aroma (raspberry, cassis, strawberry,…) with a touch of spice and with no or little tannins.

There will be many wines present in Amsterdam.

You can find them, by going to a Natural wine shop. In Amsterdam, you can find a natural wine shop by clicking here.

You can also celebrate in a wine bar (walking only).

  • Café .R. de Rosa made the best party last year, with live music, snack and Beaujolais nouveau
  • La dilettante with wine by the Glass
  • Glouglou with several wines.
  • De Nada will celebrate the new wine, from Thursday until Sunday
  • Twee Prinsen will open a few bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau

If you prefer a proper dinner with Beaujolais Nouveau there are some options.

You can also test the Beaujolais Nouveau in some wine shops, Craft Wine, ASOP Wine, and Chenin Chenin will be open so you can test the Bojo.

Remember, The Beaujolais Nouveau needs to be drunk chilled, around 12°C. The Beaujolais Nouveau is not only about Beaujolais, you may find also wine from other regions and other colors.