"Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!"

Yes it's that time of year. The new Beaujolais is coming to town which means it is the 3rd Thursday in November and time for us Americans to celebrate Thanksgiving! This wine is particularly suited for Thanksgiving due to the fact that it pairs quite well with turkey. Although the consumer will get a better wine usually at a better price by purchasing a standard Beaujolais, most cannot resist the celebratory hype of the Nouveau. 

Beaujolais is wine that comes from Burgundy France. Made from the Gamay grape it is the far more affordable cousin to the famous Pinot Noir grape that comes from Burgundy often selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars per bottle.  Nouveau is often referred to as the "cash flow" wine of Burgundy as it is only about six weeks old by the time it hits your glass. It never sees any oak aging, is basically tannin free really inexpensive wine to produce. I believe that the largest cost in drinking a bottle in Minnesota is the shipping. With all that said we still look forward to this time each year as a beginning to our holiday season. Drinking Nouveau has been compared to eating cookie dough, and who hasn't rejoiced in a bit of cookie dough? Many may argue that the dough is more fun than the cookie! Enter Nouveau Beaujolais.

Stop in at Glen Lake Wine and Spirits this Thursday afternoon as the shipments begin to arrive.  Commence another holiday season with a fun glass of wine that is intended for simplicity and celebration.

Cabernet, Chardonnay..............

Yes there are other varietals to sample and for me to write about. Although I am guilty of sticking to the above, in the month of November I am atoning and focusing on non-traditional wines (at least in my world).  We actually have "winery of the month" that does not include a Cabernet or Chardonnay. We will also be tasting these strange non-Cabernet wines all month at Glen Lake Wine and Spirits.

November is focused on Cline Cellars of Sonoma California. I have visited this winery and had a wonderful time in their laid back Sonoma atmosphere. They do not make $100 or even $50 wine, which is almost unheard of from that part of the world. They focus on fine wine at a good value and deliver.

Stop in and try a bottle of Cline:

Zinfandel - Their signature wine

Viognier - For those of you looking for a change from Chardonnay

Pinot Gris - (AKA Pinot Grigio)

Cashmere - A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mouvedre

Ancient Vine Zin - Clines premium Zin. One of the best you will find under $20.