How to serve Beaujolais at the perfect temperature

Serving Beaujolais Nouveau and Beaujolais Village

For Beaujolais Nouveau and Beaujolais Village, which are light, fruity, and meant to be enjoyed young, it's important to serve them slightly chilled. The ideal serving temperature is 12-14°C (54-57°F). This cooler temperature brings out the fresh, red fruit flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, while maintaining the wine’s vibrant acidity.

How to achieve the right temperature:

• Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes: If your Beaujolais is at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the perfect level of coolness.
• Wine Cooler: If you have a wine fridge, set it to the appropriate temperature range to always have your Beaujolais ready to serve.
• Ice Bucket Method: You can also place the bottle in a bucket filled with ice and water for about 15 minutes for a quick chill. Avoid over-chilling the wine, as temperatures below 12°C (54°F) can mute the delicate fruity aromas, making the wine taste flat.

Serving cru Beaujolais

Cru Beaujolais wines, such as Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, or Fleurie, have more body and structure compared to the lighter styles. These wines develop more complex flavors, including darker fruits, earthy notes, and even hints of spice as they age. To bring out these characteristics, serve Cru Beaujolais at a slightly warmer temperature than Beaujolais Nouveau: between 14-16°C (57-61°F).

How to achieve the right temperature:

• Refrigerate for a shorter time: For Cru Beaujolais, 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator is usually enough.
• Room Temperature Balance: If your room temperature is around 20°C (68°F), leaving the wine in a cooler room for a while can bring it to the desired serving temperature. However, avoid serving it too warm, as higher temperatures can overwhelm the wine’s freshness and make the alcohol more prominent.

The Impact of temperature on flavor

Why does temperature matter so much? Serving wine at the right temperature ensures that the aromas and flavors are fully expressed. Here's what can happen when Beaujolais is served too warm or too cold:

• Too Warm: The alcohol in the wine can become more pronounced, overshadowing the delicate fruit notes. This can make the wine taste unbalanced and heavier.
• Too Cold: Chilling the wine too much can suppress its flavors and aromas, leaving it tasting flat or dull. Especially with Cru Beaujolais, colder temperatures mask the complexity and nuance of the wine.

3 Pro Tips for Serving Beaujolais

1. Test the temperature before serving: Use a wine thermometer to check the temperature, especially if you're aiming for precision with your more structured wines.
2. Chill by the glass: If you don’t want to chill the entire bottle, you can place individual glasses of wine in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.
3. Maintain the temperature: During service, keep the wine in a wine cooler or an ice bucket with water to maintain the ideal temperature, especially in warmer environments.