The Third Thursday marks the arrival of Nouveau! I may be one of the few holdouts but I really look forward to the Nouveau release. I believe that from a wine snob perspective it’s a great litmus test to the quality of the harvest from the year. Let’s face it Nouveau will never be compared to a well made Pinot or Chardonnay from anywhere in the world, but it’s a lot of fun to drink.
The Nouveau release is the least pretentious wine release of the year. If you are new to wine or it’s a great way to ease yourself in because there really isn’t anything overly complex to look for in this wine. It’s inexpensive, so even if you don’t like it you’re not going to be out much money.
This is a wine that you shouldn’t age, as it’s only as good as they day you open it. Nouveau actually deteriorates with age as opposed to improving like most red wines. Now my reviews may seem a little repetative but with Nouveau the flavour profile tends to be varying degrees of Cherry it’s because of the type of grape that is used to make these wines.
Nouveau originated in France with the Beaujolais Nouveau wines. The trend has now spead to include releases from Italy and Ontario. This has been an interesting year as most wine regions in France were faced with difficult growing conditions. If you’re a fan of Ontario wine this is definitely the year for you. By far the best value this year are the wines from Italy both coming in under ten dollars.
* – wines tasted with John Tory
Ontario
*The Fool Reif Estate Gamay Nouveau VQA – LCBO 220483 – $10.95 – There is Dark Cherry on the nose. Flavours are Dark Cherry, Maraschino Cherry, and Spearmint. There is a bit of sweetness on the finish to be expected from Nouveau.
The Hanging Man Reif Estate Kerner Nouveau – Winery Only – $10.75 – Great flavours of apples and pastry. This is a little like an apple pie in a bottle. This is a little sweet but refreshing.
*Chateau des Charmes Generation Seven Nouveau – LCBO 318600 – $11.95 – Dry! especially in comparison to the wines from Reif. This is nice, light and fruity with nice acidity on the finish. Flavours lean more towards nice ripe cherry as does the nose. It’s truly a lighter version of the regular Gamay Noir from CDC.
France
*Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau – LCBO 271759 – $13.95 – Flavours and Aromas of Sour Cherry with the nose being a little more ripe. There is some spice on the finish giving this wine a little more structure.
Arts Beaujolais Primeur Nouveau – LCBO 366476 – $12.95 – Flavours lean towards sour with some candied cherry notes.
DeBoeuf Gamay Nouveau – LCBO 891846 – $9.95 – Lots of Sour Cherry on the flavour and finish. The acidity is nice on this nouveau as well with a subtle finish.
Italy
Negrar Novello Del Veneto – LCBO 899955 – $9.95 – Much more in your face off the nose than the French offerings. Flavours of Plum, Ripe Cherry with Banana on the finish. The acidity is very soft on this wine leaving the banana feeling on the palate.
Tollo Novello Rosso Terre di Chieti – LCBO 271759 – $8.95 – Lots of very ripe Raspberry. Cherry and Strawberry. There is a bit of sweetness to the finish of this wine.
VINTAGES
France
*Beaujolais Villages Nouveau (Joseph Drouhin) – Vintages 932780 – $15.95 – Nose is very soft as is the flavours on the palate. Nice and dry, definitely more “serious” than any of the other Nouveau offerings. Typical Cherry with a clean finish. Easily the best French Nouveau of 2013.
Beaujolais Villages Nouveau (G. Duboeuf) – Vintages 113266 – $14.95 – Nose reaches out of the glass to grab your attention. Very fresh nose of Sour and Candied Cherry.
