Launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau, France

The third Thursday in November of every year is significant among wine tasters all over the world for the Launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau in France. This time of the year, the Beaujolais region in south Burgundy awakes. On 5 o clock the previous Wednesday, all the inhabitants along with a lot of tourists gather for the wine tasting contest. The competitors have to identify 12 varieties of Beaujolais wine by tasting. The winner gets a prize of a wine barrel equal to his body weight. The night is a celebration of wine fans all over the world. The town's streets become filled with celebrants who learn how to prepare wine from the local wineries. A torch parade is held with a lot of flashes lightening the sky. Exactly on midnight the residents open the barrels of new wine and declare the Launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau in France.

The event is a part of the culture of France and occupies a special place among festivals and events in France. Launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau in France celebrates the official release of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine of the Gamay variety that is authorized for immediate sale after fermentation. It is a popular 'vin de primeur', a wine harvested in fall and sold before spring.

Unlike other red wines, Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be served chilled. This allows it to be more refreshing and have more evident fruit flavors. Winemakers of the country look forward to the day of Launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau in France as a celebration of the season coming to an end. For its popularity the event is one of the major festivals and events in France.