The Journal.

All Wine Food Lifestyle

All / LIFESTYLE

Tasting Notes: November

14.11.25

•

4 min read

TO DRINK
TO EAT
TO CELEBRATE

NEW VINTAGE VIBES

The last of the grapes are pressed, the cellars are stocked, and ,winemakers in Beaujolais are preparing to celebrate their craft with the release of new vintages. Beaujolais Nouveau Day, held on the third Thursday of November, falls on 20th November this year.

Whether you prefer a social toast or an at-home food-paired tasting, now is the time to raise a glass to harvest, reinvention and community. Here’s how we’re celebrating.

TO DRINK

These four standout wines have been hand-picked by our team, to see you through November. Not only do they ace our vintage vibe check, they're also sourced from local independent shops and importers - vendors who know their growers personally, care deeply about quality, and champion the stories behind each bottle. Be sure to keep an eye out for this year's vintages, releasing imminently!

Nicolas Chemarin P’tit Grobis Beaujolais Villages Blanc 2023

The Vibe: fresh, crunchy, mineral-forward natural white

From just 8 hectares of granite-sand soil in Marchampt, 500m above sea level, this gem of a chardonnay is hand-harvested and macerated with 8 days of skin contact in tanks. Expect punchy lemonade and crisp mineral notes, coupled with a delicate white-flower aroma and a soft, saline finish. A refreshing and lush counterpoint to the reds.

Available for UK-wide shipping at Uncharted Wines.

Clotaire Michal À Fleur de Peau 2019

The Vibe: old vines, bold, savoury red

Thanks to century-old vines thriving on sandy-pink granite slopes, this expressive Gamay brings freshness and depth with every pour. Rich, red berries with a strong mineral structure and complexity from savoury notes, with just a hint of cassis. A bottle with weight to it.

Available for local pick-up and UK-wide shipping at Provisions London.

Bonnet Cotton Fleurie ‘Poncié’ 2022

The Vibe: bright, elegant, joyful red

From the granite-rich soil of the Fleurie appellation in Beaujolais, this 2022 from Bonnet Cotton is absolutely lovely. Gamay grapes bring juicy raspberry and wild strawberry top notes, with refined minerality and a hint of violet floral on the nose.

Available for local pickup or UK-wide shipping at Newcomer Wines.

Domaine Georges Descombes Morgon 2022

The Vibe: vibrant fruits, some spice, red cherries, full of life

Georges Descombes has been quietly shaping the region for decades, so much so that he's often called the fifth member of the area’s legendary Gang of Four winemakers. He farms organically, ferments with whole clusters, and gives his wines ample time to rest before releasing - a rare restraint, in a region known for its celebration of young wines. The 2022 Morgon is plush, with a deep earthy undercurrent.

Available for local pickup or UK-wide shipping at Parched Wine.

“Georges likes to let his wines hang out in bottle before releasing, up to a year later than most of his colleagues. These are truly stunning expressions of Beaujolais, and punch way above their price point.” - Fionn, Parched Wines

TO EAT

To accompany an at-home tasting, our suggested menu provides the perfect course-by-course companions to complement the wine picks above. A truly celebratory meal that leans into comfort, with just a little bit of indulgence on the side.

Start simple and traditional, with a board that rejoices in the region.

Saint Marcellin, a delicate cow’s cheese from the Dauphiné, is known for its nutty and fruity character. Saint-Félicien, a creamier cousin from the Brie family, has a buttery richness and earthy, umami tang. Add slices of saucisson de Lyon, Pâté encroûte and Rosette de Lyon,and graze alongside salted butter and a warm baguette.

Next, a hearty, comforting main.

We’ll be making Thomasina Miers’ five-spiced roasted duck with roasted plums and crispy potatoes (swap the duck for slow-roasted aubergines glazed with the moreish plum sauce, for a veggie-friendly option).

Never skip dessert.

Poires au Vin pairs pears poached in the new vintage with cinnamon and star anise, served warm over vanilla-bean ice cream. Fruit, spice and a sense of occasion: a perfect end to the evening.

TO CELEBRATE

Get ready to celebrate on Thursday, 20 November. We’ve made a round-up of tasting events for fellow London locals.

La Fromagerie is hosting a cheese and wine tasting at their Marylebone shop - tickets on their website.
Buchanan’s Cheesemonger and Wine Room are hosting a Beaujolais tasting at their Paddington shop, tickets via Eventbrite.
The Buxton in Aldgate are teaming up with Chef Connie Zagora of Le Kitchen, Lyon for a one-night residency, featuring four courses celebrating Lyonnaise classic dishes with wine pairings. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Davy’s Wine Beaujolais Part-yay! is happening Greenwich way, featuring a walk-around tasting of appellations and vintages from the region, with games, charcuterie and cheese. Tickets via their website.
Le Beaujolais Wine Bar in Covent Garden celebrates this region all year round. London’s oldest French wine bar is taking the casual approach: no need for tickets or reservations, just stop by for a glass or two of the latest vintages.
Top Cuvée and their two locations are going all out: Shoreditch is hosting a 2-for-1 Happy Hour all night long, and their Highbury location has crafted a special four course set menu. No tickets required, but booking is encouraged.