Many of you know that I am not a fan of Beaujolais Nouveau. I just don’t like the idea of drinking what seems like unfinished wine, and the majority of the stuff seems like raspberry Kool-Aid with alcohol added.
I remember drinking a lot of the stuff in the 1980s while living in Paris and having the worse hangover afterwards. It felt like I had consumed some sort of synthetic liquid. I have pretty much stayed away from it ever since. But I like the festive idea of “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!” (The new Beaujolais has arrived!).
However, last night one of my best friends insisted that I drink his Beaujolais Nouveau. Tim Johnston, the owner of Juveniles Wine Bar, is not a bullshiter and he has one of the most discerning palates in the business.
He twisted my arm.
“Come on,” he said with plates of foie gras, rabbit terrine, and haggis in front us on a small table in his wine bar. (Yes, Haggis. Tim is a Scotsman.) He poured me the 2011 Domaine du Vissoux Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Cuvee Vieilles Vignes. I was surprised, to say the least, by the quality. It was such a balanced and delicious red with sweet dark berries and strawberry character. It was medium body, with bright acidity and a clean, fruity finish. 90 points.
“See mate,” Tim said. “I told you so.” The wine is made from organic grapes as well.
And it was even delicious with the haggis!
