What Is Beaujolais Nouveau & Is The 2025 Vintage Special?

Every November, wine lovers around the world raise a glass to one of France’s most joyful traditions: Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Falling this year on Thursday 20 November 2025, it marks the release of a young, vibrant red wine made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region, just south of Burgundy. 

But what exactly makes the 2025 Beaujolais Nouveau so special,  and why do French wine merchants celebrate it with such enthusiasm?

What is Beaujolais Nouveau?

Beaujolais Nouveau is unlike most red wines. While many French reds are aged for months or even years, this wine is bottled just weeks after the harvest. Using a process called carbonic maceration, whole grapes ferment in a way that enhances fruitiness and freshness while keeping tannins light. 

The result is a bright, juicy wine meant to be enjoyed young; full of red berry flavours and pure, uncomplicated charm. Traditionally, it cannot be released until 12:01am on the third Thursday of November, when the world joins France in toasting the first taste of the new vintage.

What can you expect from the 2025 Beaujolais?

This year’s Beaujolais Nouveau is being praised for its lively character and aromatic intensity. Expect a rush of red cherries, raspberries, and wildflowers, balanced by a light, refreshing body. 

Early reports from growers in the region suggest the 2025 harvest produced wines that are fruit-forward and smooth, with a little more depth than the previous year; a sign of excellent ripeness and balance. It's a genuine reflection of the year’s climate, the skill of local winemakers, and the enduring spirit of celebration that Beaujolais embodies.

What’s the best way to enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau?

Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine for sharing, not cellaring. It’s best served slightly chilled (around 13°C) and enjoyed within a few months of release. Its fresh, youthful style makes it a perfect match for charcuterie, soft cheeses, and roasted poultry, or as a festive apéritif.

If you’re planning a dinner or tasting night, try pairing it with classic French dishes like coq au vin or pâté. The light tannins and playful fruitiness complement savoury flavours beautifully, making it one of the most versatile reds for food pairing. 

This versatility means you could even pair the wine with homemade fish and chips followed by chocolate brownie cheesecake if French cuisine is not to your taste, or you just want a more informal ambience to the gathering. 

Some people swear by pairing their Beaujolais with oysters, which might be an option if you’re looking to impress a special someone with your sophisticated culinary skills.  

Why does Beaujolais Nouveau matter?

For many French people, Beaujolais Nouveau represents the pure joy of winemaking: a celebration of hard work, harvest, and community. It’s a reminder that wine doesn’t always need to be serious or aged to perfection. Sometimes, it’s simply about capturing a moment such as the taste of a region, a year, and a shared toast to the season ahead.