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Beaujolais Nouveau wine in Japan 2009
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At around 8:30 am on November 3rd, members of the press stood while eagerly awaiting the arrival of a Lufthansa flight from Germany at Narita International Airport outside of Tokyo. Aboard the plane was not a world leader, or famous musician, or a Hollywood actor, but rather the first shipment of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau from France.
It has become a consumerist's tradition here in recent years to indulge in the experience of drinking the fresh wine on November 19th when it goes on sale at midnight. An old acquaintance, a university psychology professor in western Japan, admitted in the past of how he ritualistically orders around ten bottles of various Nouveau’s from a local liquor shop in his hometown north of Tokyo every year and then holds a wine party with his closest friends and colleagues.
The 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau
The first crates that came on the 3rd contained 535 cases, which was 6420 bottles weighing approximately 8 tons in total, of the highly popular Georges Duboeuf wine label, according to Jiji Press. Tomoko Miyake, a representive from Suntory Wine International - the largest importer of the Beaujolais Nouveau, told press that this year’s vintage is of a superb quality that happens only once in every fifty years. Due to wonderful weather, the wine is said to have a strong, thick flavor.
Despite the supposed fine quality, whether due to the bad economy or the end of the Nouveau boom that peaked in 2004 in Japan according to the Asahi, 30% fewer bottles are planned to be imported this year. However, that still means that around 4,800,000 bottles will be brought into the country, which is about one bottle for every 26 people.
Better news for wine-lovers is that this year’s wine is will likely be selling for about 15-20%, or about 200 yen, cheaper than last year. Most 750 ml bottles will be in the range of 2,300-2,800 yen ($25-31 USD), the Mainichi reported.
Other interesting facts this year include the sale of small 250 ml and 375 ml bottles, those are about one to two glass’ worth. Lightweight and durable plastic wine bottles are also being used for some brands, which is said to help reduce overall costs.
Where to find Beaujolais Nouveau in Japan
If you are looking for a bottle of the Beaujolais Nouveau in Japan, it isn't hard to find. Most liquor shops, supermarkets, and even conveniences stores will be selling different brands; many even take preorders.
One could also look for a wine tasting party. For instance, the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise will be hosting a party at their aquarium for a limited number of people on November 18th. The cost is 16,000 yen ($177 US) per person with party access, a room at their hotel, two meals, and a small gift bottle of the Nouveau to take home.
Remember, the legal drinking age in Japan is twenty.
Kampai! (Cheers!)
Related Articles: Japan and Alcohol
Read more about Japan by the Japan Travel Examiner
(A Japanese news report on the Beaujolais Nouveau's arrival)
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