Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé (Almost)!
Every now and then, a topic I choose to write about touches the nerves, hearts and/or souls of you readers. Monday’s was clearly one of those, as I was inundated with (mostly) supportive letters — for which I am eternally grateful…as it is clear — you are not only READING, but you’re THINKING, too!
It is my personal goal to provide more than just a “slice of life” in Paris through an American’s eyes, but to give you “food for thought” about life as we all might see it from both sides of the Atlantic. One would think that living within another culture would teach you about that new and different culture, but the truth is that what is most learned is more about your own culture that can’t be seen from within it.
To those of you who don’t think opinions should be expressed, then think again. I am fortunate enough to have this venue providing a freedom of expression and you are fortunate enough to choose to read it or not. I don’t ask that you agree with me, nor am I obliged to agree with you. That’s what makes it all so fascinating and thank goodness, we don’t all think alike!
While the reports are that the streets of France have calmed down thanks to curfew enforcement and a worried tourist industry sends out messages of reassurance that Paris and France are safe tourist destinations, we, who have been unscathed by the unrest, are gearing up for a very busy season of cultural frolicking.
The 3rd Thursday of November (November 17th) marks the launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau as French law strictly prohibits and controls its release before this time. In 1938 regulations and restrictions were put in place to restrict the where, when, and how and after the war years, in 1951, these regulations were revoked by the region’s governing body — the Union Interprofessional des Vins de Beaujolais (UIVB) — and the Beaujolais Nouveau was officially recognized.
The tasting of the new season´s Beaujolais is a special event, especially in the Rhône-Alps region where it is grown and produced (http://www.beaujolais.net). Over 65 million bottles (almost half of the region’s total annual production) will be distributed around the world, while wine lovers gather at bistrots and bars all over France and elsewhere at one minute past midnight to take that first sip of the new wine.
In New York this year, glasses will be raised to toast the latest vintage at the 2005 Beaujolais Nouveau Fête at Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street, presented annually by the French Institute Alliance Française and will include wines from j2999eph Drouhin, Le Petit Coq, Labouré-Roi, and Georges Duboeuf. ($45 tickets can be purchased at Florence Gould Hall box office, 55 East 59th Street, betw
ee
n Park and Madison Avenues, by phone through Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com).
Here in Paris, Expatica.com will be holding a series of wine tastings on November 15th and 16th, in conjunction with O Chateau (http://www.o-chateau.com) — French sommelier, Olivier Magny, will show you the ins and outs of wine tasting, allowing you to discover the pleasures of wine. Tickets are 25 Euros and only available online at http://www.expatica.com/subsites/winetasting/
For a listing of events in the Rhône-Alps, visit http://www.beaujolais.com/
For a listing of events in the U.S., visit http://gofrance.about.com/od/holidaysevents/a/beaujolais2005.htm
For a listing of events in the Paris region, and everywhere around the world, visit http://www.beaujolaisnouveautime.com
Here’s toasting to a peaceful Beaujolais Nouveau season!
Aa la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
Email [email protected]
P.S. Parler Paris Après Midi was buzzing with conversation about the recent events in the suburbs and other cities in France. Read the report at /parlerparis/apresmidi.html and plan on stopping in next month on December 13th!
To read more, click the links below.