Today is the third Thursday in Novemeber, the day Beaujolais nouveau goes on sale.

Beaujolais nouveau, as you know, is a red wine produced from gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, and it’s only fermented for a few weeks before it goes on sale.

This wine, for the record, is the freshest you’ll ever taste.

When Beaujolais nouveau bottlings are released (beginning today) they are ready and produced for immediate consumption.

Today I scored my first Beaujolais nouveau, the Georges Duboeuf, after hitting two retailers. I’m told more are en route from across the pond.

The George Duboeuf is fruity, with aromas and flavors of bright cherry, anise, cracked black pepper and a hint of caramel. It is not complex, but it’s fresh, lively and approachable.

For those who celebrate all things – Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah and the like – add Beaujolais nouveau season to your list. Even though Hallmark hasn’t yet discovered it and hasn’t capitalized on it with a card, it’s a great holiday of sorts. Beaujolais nouveau is a tasty red to uncork so why not celebrate the season of freshly fermented wine?

Say, fellow sippers, be sure to report back with your shopping tips if you score some Beaujolais nouveau.