The arrival of the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau happens every year on the third Thursday in November. Though the release used to be met with much fanfare, the hype has seriously diminished in recent years.

   It’s true that the nouveau wines aren’t as good as the more complex, “serious” bottlings  from the Beaujolais region, particularly the wines known as cru Beaujolais, but the first wines of the vintage can still be quite enjoyable. And they’re usually not very expensive.

   The most ubiquitous nouveau is the one from Georges Duboeuf, the biggest producer of Beaujolais. And, as is the case for 2024, it’s generally a fine example. The 2024 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau is bright, fruity and easygoing, with ample berry flavors and enough structure to stand up to food. Thanksgiving, perhaps? It’s also affordable, at around $15.