And we’re back! This week, Katie is dropping in to take you on a tour of her long-time passion: wine. Specifically Beaujolais stye wine, which comes with a dose of French culture and a reason to party, along with a roundup of what to try and where to buy it.
BOJO NOVO 2022
It was a very exciting day in Katie-land this week. BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU DAY 🇫🇷🍷! If you are scratching your head thinking wtf are you talking about while googling how to pronounce Beaujolais, allow me to surprise and delight you.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. The wine is fermented for only a few weeks making it Vin de Primeur or Nouveau, aka a wine harvested for sale in the same year.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day takes place on the third Thursday of November every year to celebrate the liberation of this young red wine and all its glou-glou glory. There is french fête (cue: partaaaaay 🎉) with food, fireworks, and pours-on-pours-on pours in celebration of the new vintage.
Ok, that’s all cool and all but why is this drink so special? First and foremost, if you know me you know that Gamay is my #1 ride or die. It’s super fun, fresh, and goes down like a g’damn dream. Gamays are easy-sipping, no-pretense, yes-i’ll-definitely-have-another-pour party favors.
So how is this style achieved? It’s all about carbonic maceration. Without nerding out too much, this process involves whole grape cluster fermentation which results in a lighter, juicier wine style with mellowed-out tannins. They are best served chilled for a real yummy zinger.
So here’s where I get REAL juiced (told you there would be puns). Modern winemakers are funking things up with some fresh new takes on these traditional favorites.
Neighborhood bottle shops across the country are celebrating 2022’s limited run Nouveaus with bright new styles, unexpected grape mashups, and thirst-quenching flavors. Check out the winemakers featured at Ordinaire’s West Coast Nouveau, Bodega Los Alamos Nouveau Lineup, and this Wisco Nouveau newbie (Midwest represent!) and so many more.
To get you started, here are three newly released nouveau styles that are cheerful and bright - perfect for next week’s holiday celebrations. Please spread the love by spotlighting your favorite neighborhood bottle shops in the comment section below.
PS - what are you interested in learning about in the bevvy department? I’m excited about so much and would love to bring you along for the ride, shotgun style. I’m personally pumped about the low/no alcohol movement and all the innovation that is happening within. I love having something covetable in hand during dinner parties and friend gatherings (*and stoked these are happening again), I just can’t put them down like a used to. Shoot me a note and lmk! SANTÉ!🍷
THE NOUVEAU KID ON THE BLOCK
Shop Here: 2022 Séléné Beaujolais Primeur (Nouveau), $21.99
Pairs well with 🎵: “Et moi, et moi, et moi” by Jacques Dutronc
THE FRESH NEW NOUVEAU
Shop Here: 2022 Lo-Fi Fresh Nouveau, $25
Pairs well with 🎵: “All She Wants to do is Dance”, by Don Henley
THE CALIFORNIA NOUVEAU
Shop Here: 2022 Broc Cellars Nouveau, $27
Pairs well with 🎵: “Woman”, by Little Simz
SIP THIS :: GLASSWARE
Drinks are more fun when enjoyed in a beautiful glass. Here are some of our favorite selects for cheers-worthy glassware:
Hudson Wilder- Aita Short Handblown Set in Amber ($43, set of 2)
Maison Balzac - Party Glasses ($119-129, set of 2)
Ichendorf Milano - Liberta Stemmed Coupes ($40, set of 2)
Sophie Lou Jacobsen- Bilboquet Wine Glasses ($100, set of 2)
Ghia x Sophie Lou Jacobsen - Totem Glasses ($110, set of 2)
DISCOVERY
Like always, we love ending our notes with inspiration, so here are some of the people, places, drinks, and thangs inspiring us lately.
How to Live with Objects, a new book by Sight Unseen is at the top of our list
Keeping tabs on Luna Luna, the world’s first-ever art amusement park
Heading over to Eddy for very fun holiday looks
Currently burning this very giftable, delightful candle from Hudson Grace
Feast your eyes on this, Pink Moon Rosé holiday jelly.
5 clean lipsticks we love.
HYPE WOMAN
Shoutout to our friend Eirinie Carson, writer and model, who has her first book out on preorder The Dead are Gods.
Thanks for being here! If you have friends who would love this, please send it on- we’re excited to expand this community. xoxo - Your Confidants, Fenny & Katie