Better Beaujolais for your buck

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages (2007)
Maison Louis Jadot
Gamay
Burgundy, France

From the southern most region of Burgundy, Gamay wines are perfectly paired with most holiday dinners. Softer in body and not as earthy as Burgundian Pinot Noir, fruit-driven, and softer than California Cabernet they make a perfect match to many lighter bodied food.

Appearance: Clear red wine, medium intensity, ruby to brick in color. Text is legible through this wine.

Nose: Clean nose, medium intense aromas. Initial floral and red-cherry aromas followed by soft earth tones, red fruit, and rose. Other fruit including plum and strawberry.

Palate: A dry wine of medium characteristics, soft tannins, and refreshing, cranberry acidity. Predominant flavors of strawberry and raspberry followed by black pepper and mushroom.

If the Valdiguié was a good pairing with turkey, this will be even better. A step up from your Beaujolais-Nouveau, you'll get a better wine for your money by checking out some of the Villages produced bottles. Georges du Boeuf is another favorite at a reasonable price.

Carbonic maceration gives these wines a soft but fruity characteristic, leaving behind much of the harsh tannin. Also best served with a slight chill, this bottle cost around $12.

Cheers!