Bringing Old World Tradition to New World Wine

Beaujolais Nouveau is a classic French tradition in the Beaujolais AOC region of France which celebrates the present year’s vintage by releasing fresh, young Gamay wines only a few weeks after harvest, released for sale each November 15 which is known as “Beaujolais Nouveau Day”.

When the Beaujolais AOC was first established in 1937, their AOC rules governed that wines from Beaujolais could only be sold after December 15 during the year of harvest. In 1951 the rules were modified to November 15, which has since been known as Beaujolais Nouveau Day.

With convenient timing to Thanksgiving in America, the fresh and fruity style of Nouveau wines make the perfect aperitif for any holiday party — and make for great conversation, too!

Marquette goes Nouveau

Dancing Dragonfly Winery (DDW) is excited to celebrate the tradition of Nouveau wines with their newest wine, 2018 Dragonfly Nouveau, set for release on November 15, 2018.

Made from Marquette grapes harvested this past September from DDW’s vineyard in Saint Croix Falls, WI, the 2018 Dragonfly Nouveau uses carbonic maceration — nerd alert: typical winemaking involves crushing the grapes prior to fermentation, whereas with carbonic maceration whole clusters of berries are added to the fermentation tank where the weight of the fruit literally crushes the fruit itself toward the bottom of the tank, berries at the top begin to ferment within their own skin.

This method, accompanied by the wine’s youth at release, results in a fruity, low-tannin red wine that captures the celebratory spirit of harvest’s end.

DDW is also following the traditional Beaujolais release date of the third Thursday of November—just in time for Thanksgiving. Food-friendly and affordable ($14/bottle), Dragonfly Nouveau makes the perfect addition to seasonal festivities and holiday tables.

For more information on Dragonfly Nouveau visit the blog at DDWinery.com or head over to their tasting room at 2013 120th Avenue, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.