Georges Duboeuf

Bright, snappy, refreshing.

What: Red. 2022 Beaujolais-Village Nouveau from Georges DuBoeuf.

Where: DABS Utah State Liquor Store #31 Draper (possibly in other stores)

How Much: $9 / bottle

Rating: 3 out of 5

Who’s It For: Anyone who likes fresh, fruity, acidic, dry reds. Your mood’s got to be happy for this one, or if you’re looking to turn that frown upside down, then this may also be the beverage for you. It’s too fun, too lively, too vibrant for negativity.

Review: This review wasn’t supposed to happen. Nope. I wasn’t actually sure what I’d review for you — that’s half the fun of wine, the adventure of trying something new, unknown, unexplored by your taste buds. I found a great looking red blend, and was waiting in the checkout line (they seem to be getting longer and longer these days, right?), when what did I see, but a discount shelf of what looked like the last remaining Beaujolais-Village Nouveau in the state. That was it. I was done. Finished.

You see, Beaujolais-Village Nouveau is supposed to all be gone by now. It’s the first drink after the new harvest. It’s made quick and clean, with no oak to bog it down. It’s meant as a celebratory drink for all of the backbreaking harvest field work of the season (think September time frame). And it’s no coincidence that it’s blasted out onto U.S. shelves just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a perfect wine for turkey and stuffing. So, you see, that’s why I was blown away to find the wine on the shelf on my way out of the liquor store. I had to buy it. It’s far too tasty to pass up.

Tasting this bad boy is like taking a swig of sour cherry jolly ranchers. It’s mouth watering, and as dry as it gets. It slaps a smile on your face whether you want one or not. It’s that obnoxiously happy and far too loud friend we all have who, no matter how many bad choices they make, always come out on top. If you can still find it, buy it, and enjoy optimism in a cup. We all deserve that from time to time.

As for food pairing on this one, Costco’s Iberico Cheese was damn fine. Iberico is a Spanish cheese made from a blend of cow, sheep, and goat milk. It’s full of mild, farmy, nutty, buttery flavors that aren’t overpowering. It allows the wine’s acid to come through, keeping it fresh, not flabby.

For you fellow wine nerds, Beaujolais is made from the low tannin Gamay grape.

The Fainting Goat Pub