Blimey, folks – it's that glorious third Thursday in November again, and today, 20 November 2025, the corks are popping across the land for Beaujolais Nouveau Day! Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! If you've been hibernating under a rock (or buried in work like the rest of us), this is the one day when the freshest, fruitiest Gamay grapes from France's Beaujolais region get bottled just weeks after harvest and unleashed on the world at midnight. None of that faffing about with years in oak barrels – this beauty is meant to be glugged young, chilled slightly, and shared with proper mates.
A Quick History Lesson (Without the Boring Bits)
Back
in the day, Beaujolais vineyard workers celebrated the end of the
back-breaking harvest by cracking open the first young wines.
Fast-forward to the 1950s, some clever French rules made it official,
and by the 1970s-80s (thanks to marketing wizard Georges Duboeuf), it
exploded into a global party. There used to be races to get the first
bottles to the UK – helicopters, sports cars, the lot! It dipped in
popularity when some industrial versions tasted like banana bubblegum
(give me a break), but crikey, the 2025 vintage is a cracker – easily
the best since 2022, with proper ripe fruit, balance, and none of that
over-the-top nonsense. The revival is on, led by small producers who
actually care about the grapes.
What Does 2025 Taste Like?
Expect a riot of
crunchy red berries, cherries, strawberries, a whiff of violets, and
that lively zip that screams "drink me now!" Serve it lightly chilled
(about 12-14°C – stick it in the fridge for 20 minutes), and it's
perfect with a charcuterie board, roast chicken, or even your upcoming
Christmas turkey leftovers. Sod the stuffy reds – this is fun in a
glass.
Where to Celebrate in the UK (If You're Not Already Three Sheets to the Wind)
London's
going mad for it: Gordon's Wine Bar doing breakfast with the first
pour, Galvin Bistrot with jazz and croque monsieur from 8:15am, or Le
Beaujolais bar (the oldest French wine spot in town) where it's
basically Beaujolais Day every day. Swansea? Booked solid a year in
advance – those Welsh know how to party!
My Top Picks for Beaujolais Nouveau 2025 – Grab 'Em Quick on
Amazon (And Yes, These Are Affiliate Links That Help Keep the Blog
Boiling)
No point waffling – here are some belters available
right now in the UK. I've picked ones getting rave reviews for proper
fruit and structure:
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2025 – The classic, reliable crowd-pleaser with bags of juicy red fruit. Perfect starter.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link – cheers if you use it!)Château de Belleverne Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2025 – A step up, with extra depth, raspberry spice, and silky finish. Around £13-15 – bargain!
Buy on AmazonDomaine Bel Avenir or Similar Artisan Bottlings – For something a bit more serious and natural – vibrant, fresh, and turning heads this year.
Search Amazon for top 2025 Nouveaux
Pro tip: Stock up on a case – it won't last long, and it's brilliant for festive parties. Pair with saucisson, Comté cheese, or just a packet of crisps if you're feeling lazy.
So there you have it – raise a glass tonight, toast the harvest, and sod the doom and gloom. Life's too short for boring wine!
What are you cracking open this Beaujolais Nouveau Day? Drop a comment below – I love hearing your tips (and disasters).
Until next time,
Ken Frost
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