Beaujolais is a wine-producing region and Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) located in the southern part of the Burgundy region in eastern France. It is well known for the production of red wines, particularly from the Gamay grape variety.
Beaujolais wines are noted for their thin-skin grapes that lend a relatively light body with lower tannins. The wine is often recommended to be served slightly chilled to accentuate their fruitiness. The methods used in its production often lead to wines with strong red fruit characteristics - particularly cherry, raspberry and strawberry.
Beaujolais is also notable for its 'Beaujolais Nouveau', a style of wine that is released just weeks after the year's harvest and intended to be enjoyed young. The release of Beaujolais Nouveau each year on the third Thursday of November is often celebrated with parties and festivals in the region and in places around the world.
The region also produces more complex and age-worthy wines, notably from its 'Beaujolais Cru' appellations, of which there are ten. They include Brouilly, Morgon, Juliénas, and Fleurie, among others. These wines are known for their rich flavors, good structure, and ability to age well.
