The 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau is being released at BC Liquor Stores locations throughout the province beginning this Thursday, November 15.

Beaujolais Nouveau is available in limited quantities for a short period of time. The BC Liquor Distribution Branch has secured 1200 cases of this year's release. By international agreement, Beaujolais Nouveau is released worldwide on the third Thursday of November each year.

"The Nouveau (new) wine is exciting because it is our first look at what the vintage will bring for the entire Beaujolais region," said Barbara Philip MW, Liquor Distribution Branch portfolio manager for European wine. "Despite severe frost and challenging weather resulting in very low yields throughout the Beaujolais region, the quality is good with concentrated flavours of red berries and floral aromas."

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young, red wine made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France. Beaujolais Nouveau is intended for immediate drinking and not for keeping. The wines show definite variation between vintages, and as such are eagerly anticipated as a first indicator of the quality of the year's regional wine harvest.

BC Liquor Stores customers will be able to purchase 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau wines by Georges Duboeuf ($13.99) and Mommessin ($13.99). This is a very popular release each year, so to avoid disappointment, lovers of wine are encouraged to make their purchase as soon as possible.

Visit: www.bcliquorstores.com or check with your local BC Liquor Stores location for more information about product availability and hours of operation. Limited quantities are available in each participating store.

Learn more: www.bcliquorstores.com

Contacts:

Vince Cournoyer
A/Communications Manager
Liquor Distribution Branch
Tel: 604 252-2875
Cell: 604 838-1105

Tarina Palmer
Senior Communications Program Officer
Liquor Distribution Branch
Tel: 604 252-3028
Cell: 604 362-4984