Fall 2006 - beaujolais

Hey -

We're going to the Cru Beaujolais dinner tonight at Cafe Matou, anyone else doing anything fun for the arrival of the French Marketing Hype... I mean Nouveau Beaujolais? Matou's dinner is specifically NOT for wines marketed as Nouveau, but it looks like there are a few fun events out there.

(and PM me if you'll be at Matou, we'll look for you!)


Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
Brasserie Jo
11/16/2006 - 12/07/2006
59 W. Hubbard St.
Phone: 312-595-0800


Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
Mon Ami Gabi
11/16/2006 - 11/22/2006

2300 N. Lincoln Park West
Chicago
Phone: 773-348-8886

100 Oakbrook Ctr.
Oak Brook 60523
630-472-1900


Cru Beaujolais Celebration
Cafe Matou
11/16/2006
1846 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Phone: 773-384-8911


This next one is Produced by The French American Chamber of Commerce-Chicago Chapter and features several chefs, live entertainment and a raffle for a trip to France
Passport to France
Union League
11/16/2006
65 W. Jackson Blvd.
Phone: 312-578-0444 ext. 2

Smart move on Cafe Matou's part not matching beaujolais nouveau with their recent carivore heaven menu. The wonderfully rich meaty dishes coming out at Matou would overmatch any beaujolais nouveau.

The beaujolais nouveau hype seems to be dramatically less than in previous years. I didn't see the obligatory Tribune or NY Times article, nor a Binny's or Sam's ad this year. The only mention I saw was a small blurb in a New York dealer 2 page ad.

I have a general question about beaujolais nouveau. I'm not a huge fan of beaujolais nouveau and haven't really even bought a bottle of the stuff in a few years. Which brings me to my question.

I was sorting through a bunch of bottles in my basement and found a beaujolais nouveau from 2003. Undrinkable, no?

I'm planning to open it this weekend anyway to sate my curiosity. Anyone have any predictions as to what I can expect?

Sounds to me like you have the making of mulled wine at Christmas, or something to cook with. But try it, what's to lose?