By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is always released on the third Thursday in November?the week before Thanksgiving. This creates a connection in people’s minds like champagne & New Year’s Eve. But while there are many kinds of champagne to choose from, there are only a few Beaujolais.

On Nov. 20 I attended Murfreesboro’s official tasting of Georges Duboeuf’s Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 at The Boro. The owner, Lee Roberts, hosted this international event as both countries taste the 2008 version simultaneously! It was special to be a part of such a prestigious happening in wine.

Lee hosts one of these tastings every year on the same day to explicate the Gamay grape’s past year’s climate and process. Gamay grapes are only grown in Burgundy, France, and Georges Duboeuf accounts for one-third of the entire crop. Lawfully, Beaujolais grapes must be harvested only by hand and grown on individual, freestanding vines.

The winemaking process is whole berry fermentation which preserves the fresh, fruity taste, without so many tannins. Tannins are found in the skin of the grape and Gamay grapes have very thin skins, so, less tannins.

We compared the 2007 against the 2008 and for me the 2008 won. While the tastes are very similar, the 2008 just shimmered a little more. Sweet, fruity and sparkly on my tongue! Beaujolais is the most refreshing red wine I have tasted, due, in part, to the temperature at which it’s served. Slightly below room temperature at 60 degrees is the best way to drink Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais. Fantastic for a holiday dinner or even a warm, sunny day, this Beaujolais works for it all. Overall, it’s versatile, fruity and refreshing.

The Boro offers other refreshments as well. The beer list exceeds 150, but for the wine drinkers there is something for you too. The Boro’s wine list is not long but it is definitely well-built. Tried and true classics like the Delicato Pinot Grigio and Hardy’s Merlot (by the glass) mingle with newer, delicious wines like Banrock Station White Shiraz and Little Penguin Chardonnay (by the bottle) on the wine list.

The Boro presents a kicked-back atmosphere and easy conversation. For those of you who have not tried Georges Duboeuf Nouveau 2008, you must! Buy a bottle at The Boro to share with friends or you can pick one up at Murfreesboro Wine and Spirits.

Until next time, Let us all Eat, Drink and Be Merry!