Jackson Free Press

If you're a wine connoisseur, you've most likely heard of Beaujolais Nouveau Day. In France at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday in November, Beaujolais Nouveau is released to the French masses. The country celebrates this wine with parties, fireworks, music and festivals. The wine, generally a cherry red vintage, is made from handpicked Gamay grapes, and its quick fermentation process—about six to eight weeks long—lend to its crisp, clean flavor. The cheap and cheerful drink originated over a century ago to celebrate the harvest season.

The French aren't the only ones who can celebrate the first harvest of this year's European wines. Wineries ship Beaujolais Nouveau around the world in time for bottles to land at liquor stores and wine cellars on the same day—the third Thursday. Check with your local wine seller to see if they will have Beaujolais or other Nouveau-style this week. It also makes a great addition to your Thanksgiving celebration, as it is a mid-range wine that can work with both light and heavy foods.

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrive!