Happy Beaujolais-ing!

Campaign poster for this year's Beaujolais. Love the dress! 

     Yesterday, really every third Thursday of November since 1985, the Beaujolais Nouveau was released. Beaujolais is a type of wine- made in the Beaujolais region of France, near Lyon- that is meant to be tasted soon after the harvest (la recolte). In fact, the wine is bottled only 6-8 weeks after harvest. It's very young (nouveau means new), very purple if held against a white surface, kind of fruity, not too intense, and usually served slightly chilled.

     Summer may be over, but wine season has just begun. Thus, the French find occasion to celebrate. In Lyon, wine barrels are rolled into the street, and revelers/ tasters are give the first taste of Beaujolais. There is even a Beaujolais marathon. Some 8,000 runners will take to the small streets of villages and countryside chateaux Saturday morning. There are 13 towns along the route, 9 tasting rooms, and orchestras play in the background. Costumes are encouraged. And here I thought only New Orleans loved day drinking and running in costumes.

     Look for some Beaujolais wherever you may be, and toast to the start of a new season. Hopefully you don't feel as down as the man on the right afterward.

"The Beaujolais Nouveau is here. 'So, this Beaujolais? Does it taste like cherries?' 'No, it tastes like economic crisis.'"