This week’s tasting notes: Quality has never been better

The choice of quality Beaujolais has never been better. On Nov. 17, Beaujolais Nouveau was released and I found a few bottles that were really good. Beaujolais Nouveau 2016, Terres Dorées, Jean Paul Brun, $18.65, France red, SAQ # 11923994: One of the best Beaujolais Nouveau I have tasted. Cuts the line nicely between the primary fruit and slight spritz of a primeur wine with a resinous minty note and richer texture. Just a touch of tannin on the finish. Delicious and good for an aperitif or any lighter meal. Grape variety: gamay. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now- 2017. Food pairing suggestion: Aperitif, charcuterie. Vin de France Nouveau 2016, Laurence et Rémi Dufaitre, France red, $19.85, SAQ # 13170261: The prettiest and most floral of this year’s primeur gamays. Crunchy red fruit and a hint of spice with tannins that are fine and layered. This has length, complexity and best of all, is hard to stop drinking. Brilliant little wine that I would happily drink year round. Grape variety: gamay. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now. Food pairing suggestion: Aperitif, terrines and pates, liver and onion. Beaujolais 2015, L’Ancien, JeanPaul Brun, France red, $20.45, SAQ # 10368221: A different take on Beaujolais. Like pinot noir, gamay grown on limestone brings a more classic structure and texture. While it might not have the same bright fruit notes, there is more complexity and great length. Great food Beaujolais. Grape variety: gamay. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2018. Food pairing suggestion: Aperitif, terrines and pates, roast turkey. Beaujolais 2014, Jean Foillard, France red, $23.35, SAQ # 12454958: Lovely Beaujolais, a step up from what you would expect from a broad appellation wine. You get freshness and crunchy fruit, but the texture is surprisingly rich and there is length here as well. Finishes mineral and tannic. Good job. Grape variety: gamay. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2018. Food pairing suggestion: Aperitif, white fish with tapenade. Beaujolais 2015, Les Griottes, Pierre-Marie Chermette, France red, $19.55, SAQ # 11259940: Bright and juicy. A touch more richness and texture than normal, and slightly darker fruit, due to the heat of 2015. Very well done and a model of classic Beaujolais. Nothing overly complex, just pure ease of drinking. Grape variety: gamay. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2018. Food pairing suggestion: Aperitif, grilled salmon.