Our Sip & Savor expert Dathan Kazsuk explains why you should hold out for a real Beaujolais this holiday season.
BY DATHAN KAZSUK
The holidays are quickly approaching—a time for laughter, overeating and, of course, wine—lots of it. But, Raleigh, before you waltz into the wine aisle and grab that fluorescent-labeled bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau that looks like it’s straight out of a circus tent, let’s talk. You can do better. Much better.
Beaujolais isn’t just about Nouveau. In fact, the good stuff—the real stuff—deserves a spot at your holiday table, and your guests will thank you. Here’s why you should pass on that candy-flavored chaos in a bottle like Georges Duboeuf and go for a more refined, flavorful Beaujolais.
WHAT IS BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU?
Every year like clockwork, Beaujolais Nouveau hits shelves on the third Thursday of November. It’s flashy, it’s young and it’s everywhere. Think of it as the TikTok influencer of the wine world—lots of buzz and questionable depth. Made from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais Nouveau undergoes a process called carbonic maceration, which is fancy talk for saying the wine ferments super quickly.
The result? A light, fruity wine with flavors that can be described as “bananas or bubblegum.” And not the good kind. It’s bottled just weeks after harvest, which means it has zero time to mature.
Now, let’s talk about the real Beaujolais. Made from the same Gamay grapes, these wines are divided into several categories: Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages and the crème de la crème—Beaujolais Crus. The latter comes from ten specific villages, each with its own personality. Think Morgon, Fleurie or Moulin-à-Vent. These wines are serious, layered and complex, with flavors ranging from earthy and mineral-driven to lush, dark berries.
Unlike Nouveau, these wines take their time. They’re aged. They’re thoughtful. They’re the wine equivalent of a perfectly seasoned roast duck, not a microwaveable dinner. And they pair beautifully with everything from turkey and stuffing to charcuterie boards piled high with brie and salami.
SO WHY DOES NOUVEAU EXIST?
Historically, Beaujolais Nouveau was a quick way for winemakers to celebrate the end of harvest. A lighthearted party wine, it wasn’t aged, and it wasn’t meant to be taken seriously. But savvy marketers turned it into an international phenomenon. The problem? In the frenzy, people forgot that Beaujolais has a rich tradition beyond this novelty drink.
BUT I LIKE BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU! IT’S FESTIVE!
Okay, I hear you. Fair enough. And there are Nouveau wines that can hold their own, especially when paired with lighter dishes or served slightly chilled at parties. Not all Nouveaus are created equal. Though I maintain that if you’re looking for a wine that screams holiday elegance, skip the flashy Nouveau and go for a Beaujolais-Villages or a Cru. Pretty much everything on my list below, you can find at wine shops such as Raleigh Wine Shop, located at 317 South Bloodworth Street in Raleigh. Or, just check out the selection at your local wine shop, and ask their advice.
The Domaine de la Madone “Le Perréon” 2022 is a standout Cru Beaujolais, offering depth and elegance. Crafted from old vines in the high-altitude village of Le Perréon, it showcases luscious black cherry and plum flavors balanced by earthy minerality and a touch of spice. You can find this for around $25-$27 a bottle.
The Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages 2022 is a classic yet refined expression of Beaujolais. With its silky texture and vibrant notes of ripe red cherries, cranberries and a whisper of floral elegance, this wine balances freshness with depth, making it a versatile choice for casual sipping or pairing with charcuterie and roasted dishes. This one costs somewhere in the $30 range.
If you can find this one, the Prunelle de Navacelle 2021 is a bold, artisanal Beaujolais crafted with precision and care. Bursting with dark fruit flavors like blackberries and blueberries, it’s complemented by hints of violets, earthy undertones and a touch of spice. This wine will cost you around $30-$35 a bottle.
Now we’re getting into the heavy hitters. The Thévenet ‘Grain & Granite’ Régnié 2023 is a stunning example of Cru Beaujolais from the Régnié appellation. Vibrant and textured, it delivers a medley of red currant, raspberry and cherry notes, accented by floral aromas and a distinct granite minerality—with silky tannins and a refreshing finish. This Cru will run in the $40 price range if you can find it.
The Guy Breton Côte de Brouilly 2022 is a beautifully crafted Cru Beaujolais that balances elegance and energy. Packed with bright red fruits like cherry and cranberry, it also reveals layers of floral notes, earthy minerality and a hint of spice. This wine is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, mushroom dishes or simply sipping and savoring. You spend around $50 a bottle on this delectable treat.
And finally, a Beaujolais Nouveau. The Domaine de la Madone Nouveau 2024 is a vibrant, fresh take on Beaujolais Nouveau crafted from the high-altitude vineyards of Mont Brouilly. Bursting with juicy red berry flavors—think strawberries and raspberries—with a subtle hint of spice, this wine is delightfully light, crisp and perfect for holiday gatherings. You can find this for around $22-$25 a bottle.
So, there you have it—six Beaujolais picks that’ll fit right in at your holiday table.
