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by Fred McMillin
for November 13, 2000
The Gorilla Cometh
Prologue
Georges Duboeuf is the 800-pound gorilla of Beaujolais exporters to the USA, (pictured).
...Bob Thompson, San Francisco Examiner
The Rest of the Story
The "gorilla" tastes over 10,000 samples (photo) in stitching together his best-selling Beaujolais Nouveau, which will wing its was to the U.S.A. in three days. (The official release date in France is the third Thursday of November, which occurs on the 16th.)
This is exciting because France is the leader of the wine world, and the Nouveau is the first taste of its year 2000 vintage. The grapes were still on the vines only 70 to 80 days before you pull the cork. And, the demand is huge. In fact, some years half of the entire vintage is sold immediately as Nouveau...which is good for the cash flow.
Why the popularity? Here's how some critics describe the Nouveau.
Did Napoleon Like Nouveau?
If this is so pleasing, did Napoleon like it? Answer: There was none for him to taste. The Nouveau is a child of the 20th century. Lyon is located at the southern tip of the Beaujolais district. After World War II a first taste of the new vintage became popular in the city's bars. From there, it spread to Paris, and then to the world.
Pairing with Food
Not to worry. The Nouveau does not have a powerful character compatible only with certain fare. Instead, its friendly flavors can be enjoyed with fish, fowl, ham, veal, pasta, etc. Nice choice for Thanksgiving, or for the next-day leftovers.
Where To Get It
These are the Duboeuf U.S.A. agents who can answer your questions.
W.J. Deutsch, Ph. (914) 273-1221, FAX (914) 273-1291
Winesellers, Ph. (847) 679-0121, FAX (847) 679-2017
Price
Always under $10. Always fun.
Postscript
About that 800-pound gorilla, the shippers could use him. Last year the opening-day shipment of Duboeuf Nouveau for just the East Coast of the U.S. was 800 TONS!
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About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. For information about the wine courses he teaches every month at either San Francisco State University or San Francisco City College (Fort Mason Division), please fax him at (415) 567-4468. |
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