The Fresno State Winery’s Le Vin Nouveau celebration will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Fresno State Winery. This annual event is a celebration of the historic French fall wine tradition.
“According to tradition, at one minute after midnight on the third Thursday of each November, winemakers in France release their first vintage of the year, Beaujolais Nouveau, with much celebration,” said Jim Kennedy, chair of Viticulture and Enology Department at Fresno State.
The winery, the oldest commercially bonded winery to operate on a university campus in the nation, is one of only a handful of wineries outside France to produce Nouveau-style wines.
The $25 admission includes an exclusive tasting of the 2014 Nouveau wines and other selected wines, as well as wide selection of light hors d’oeuvres. Ticket prices are $20 for students, faculty, staff and wine club members. The event is hosted by Fresno State Winery and faculty and staff from the Department of Viticulture and Enology.
“These wines are some of the most interesting wines we make,” says Fresno State interim winemaker, Matt Rule. “Students in our production class produce these wines in less than eight weeks when most wines take 12 months or more. Even better is the fact that these wines pair perfectly with many holiday entrees.”
The 2014 Nouveau Blanc was made using the classic French style of carbonic maceration and the fruit aromas couple with orange blossom, honeysuckle, and a spicy citrus finish. Rule recommends serving chilled with holiday hors d’ oeuvres and meals. The 2014 Nouveau Rouge features floral and candied fruit flavors of red cherry, black currant and a spice that will complement your holiday feast.
“Beaujolais Nouveau owes its easy drinkability to a winemaking process called whole berry fermentation. This technique preserves the fresh, fruity quality of the wine without extracting bitter tannins from the grape skins. These wines are not meant for long term aging and are best enjoyed within the first year of release when they are fresh and lively,” said Rule.
In addition to the Nouveau, guest will taste the 2013 Classic Chardonnay, 2011 Merlot, 2009 Petite Sirah, the 2008 Solare and a barrel tasting. Le Vin Nouveau attendees who purchase four bottles or more will also receive a 20% discount.
Tickets to the Le Vin Nouveau is open to the public. Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.
For more information, call 559.278.4867 or purchase tickets in advance at www.FresnoStateWines.com.
(Copy by Jodi Raley, University Communications news assistant.)
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