Each year, Beaujolais Nouveau day is celebrated on the third Thursday in November, as winemakers in France release a red wine made just a few weeks after harvest that same year. Now, Northern Virginia has its own version of the style with Chrysalis Vineyards’ Norton Nouveau 2024.
The Middleburg vineyard that’s home to the world’s largest planting of Norton, a grape native to Virginia, will unveil what it calls the first Beaujolais Nouveau–style wine to be made in the state with a release party on November 21.
The event will include the first chance to taste the wine before it’s available to the public the following day. Guests can also enjoy appetizers and talk with the vineyard’s owner, Jennifer McCloud, and winemaker, Jake Blodinger. Tickets to the adults-only event are $40 per person. That includes a glass of Norton Nouveau, a plate of apps, and a bottle of the wine.
In France, Beaujolais Nouveau is typically made with the Gamay grape using the carbonic maceration technique. The fruity wine is meant to be consumed the same year that it’s produced.
Chrysalis Vineyards’ Norton Nouveau used the same technique. It was harvested on October 10 and bottled five weeks later. According to Chrysalis, it has notes of red plum, figs, and lavender with flavors of blueberries, morello cherries, and a classic Beaujolais bubblegum character. It pairs well with holiday meals.
Bottles will be for sale at the winery’s tasting room starting November 22.
Feature image of Norton Nouveau courtesy Chrysalis Vineyards
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