Memories of "Beaujolais Nouveau" and my late father
Every year when the "Beaujolais Nouveau" season arrives, I am reminded of my late father.
As soon as "Beaujolais Nouveau" was released, my father would always buy two or three bottles from different brands for us.
His favorite brand was "Georges Duboeuf," known for its festive labels. Just seeing the label would lift my spirits, making me realize that this season had arrived once again.
It was our annual family tradition for the three of us to enjoy "Beaujolais Nouveau" at my parents' house, accompanied by my mother's home-cooked dishes that paired well with the wine.
Since my father was somewhat knowledgeable about wine, he would go on and on with his "trivia" about that year's vintage (laughs), but my mother and I would just enjoy whatever we were drinking.
By the way, according to the "Inter Beaujolais" (Union Interprofessionnelle des Vins du Beaujolais), this year's 2023 "Beaujolais Nouveau" is described as having an "elegant and well-balanced finish." It sounds like it tastes better than last year's!
"Beaujolais Nouveau" used to cost less than 2,000 yen, but due to various factors, the price has skyrocketed over the last few years, hasn't it?
After my father passed away, there was no one left to buy "Beaujolais Nouveau" for us without fail. Every year when the release season came around, I would think about wanting to drink it, but there were years when I wouldn't buy it myself, thinking, "It's too expensive..."
The other day, I found this "Beaujolais Nouveau" at a KALDI store near my workplace. And the price was cheap!
I was drawn in by the words, "A Nouveau made especially for KALDI! Highly recommended by our staff!!" and I found myself picking it up without hesitation (laughs).
When I drank it, it tasted exactly as described on the store's pop sign.
"A light-bodied red wine that pairs well with any dish. You can feel the natural sweetness of the grapes, making it easy to drink even for those who dislike the tannins and acidity of red wine!! (It is not sweet)"
I don't like sweet wines, and some "Beaujolais Nouveau" can taste sweet depending on the "type," but I'm glad I trusted the words "It is not sweet." It was very easy to drink and delicious. It was a fresh and fruity wine, just as a "Beaujolais Nouveau" should be!
At this price, I'm currently thinking about buying another bottle to drink (laughs).
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Hey Dad! This year's "Beaujolais Nouveau" is quite a delicious vintage! I wonder what kind of "trivia" you would have shared about it... Please enjoy a drink with my brother up there!