Which wine is released annually on the third Thursday in November?

Beaujolais Nouveau is the wine released annually on the third Thursday in November.

This young red wine comes from France’s Beaujolais region and is made primarily from the Gamay grape. It is a vin de primeur, meaning it is released very soon after the harvest rather than being aged for years. Fermentation takes only a few weeks, allowing the new vintage to reach consumers before the end of the year.

The release date became standardized in 1985 as the third Thursday of November. Under French rules, sales traditionally begin just after midnight on that date. The launch became an international marketing event, with distributors competing to deliver bottles to cities around the world.

Beaujolais Nouveau is usually light-bodied, fresh, fruity, and low in tannin, often showing flavors associated with berries, bananas, or confectionery notes. It is not the same as all Beaujolais wine: the name identifies this youthful, early-release style. The wine is commonly served with casual foods such as charcuterie and is often enjoyed as a celebration of the new vintage.