2010 Beaujolais Nouveau

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Nov 19th 2010 @ 5:00PM

Molly Simms and Georges DuBoeuf Photo: Emmanuel Dunand, AFP / Getty Images

Seasoned wine drinkers know that the third Thursday in November is a special day.

It's when that year's vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau begins to be sold in the U.S., with many parties and tastings at wine retailers to kick off the annual event. According to French law, the wine cannot be released until one minute after midnight on the third Thursday in November.

For Georges DuBoeuf, the marketing tactic for this French winery included celebrity appearances. Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and former Las Vegas star Molly Sims (above, with Franck DuBoeuf) helped uncork some of the Georges DuBoeuf 2010 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10) at new Manhattan club District 36. Fashionistas, note that Sims wore a flowing royal-blue dress (perhaps inspired by Kate Middleton, who this week announced she is marrying Prince William?).

Acccording to a press release from the wine's U.S. importer, W.J. Deutsch & Sons, about a hundred other people were in attendance for the uncorking, including chefs, retailers; and food and wine writers. Chef Marc Murphy -- he judged "Chopped" on the Food Network and owns Landmarc

restaurants and Benchmarc Events -- prepared and dished up the food.

We had a chance to try the 2010 vintage too, from Georges DuBoeuf -- and it celebrates what critics have been calling a fantastic vintage. The notes of tar and smoke are a departure from the typical Beaujolais Nouveau style that's heavy on fruit and light on body. Yet there are also delightful notes of wild cherries laced with baking spices. The wine is entirely Gamay grapes and bottled a short six weeks after harvest.

Verdict? Not bad for a $10 bottle.

Filed Under: Celebrities, Drinks
Tags: Beaujolais Nouveau, wine news