Autumn Wine and the Harvest Festival
Colorful foliage, the season of abundance.
In the world of wine, autumn holds special significance.
The harvest (vendange) arrives, celebrating the beginning of a new vintage—wine regions around the world buzz with their greatest energy of the year.
Vendange: The Magic of Harvest
A Year in the Vineyard
| Season | In the Vineyard |
|---|---|
| Spring | New buds emerge, flowering |
| Summer | Grapes grow, begin coloring |
| Autumn | Harvest (Vendange) |
| Winter | Pruning, dormancy |
The autumn harvest is when a year's effort comes to fruition. For winemakers, it's the most important and joyful time.
Timing the Harvest
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sugar levels | Wait for full ripeness |
| Acidity | Ensure balanced acid remains |
| Weather | Harvest before rain |
| Variety | Early-ripening varieties first |
A Split-Second Decision Determining harvest timing relies on the producer's experience and intuition. A few days' difference can change a wine's character.
The Truth About Beaujolais Nouveau
The Third Thursday of November
Beaujolais Nouveau, released every year on the third Thursday of November.
It's the "new wine" celebrating that year's harvest.
Beaujolais Nouveau Basics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grape | 100% Gamay |
| Region | Beaujolais, France |
| Method | Carbonic maceration |
| Character | Fruity, light, low tannin |
| Best time | Within months of release (not for aging) |
What is Carbonic Maceration?
Unlike normal winemaking, this special method ferments whole grapes without crushing.
| Normal Method | Carbonic Maceration |
|---|---|
| Grapes crushed | Whole cluster fermentation |
| Higher tannin | Lower tannin |
| Aging potential | Fresh flavors |
Did You Know? This method creates fruity aromas like strawberry and banana.
How to Best Enjoy Nouveau
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Slightly chilled | 54-57°F (12-14°C) is best |
| Drink early | Best when fresh |
| Light foods | Simple dishes over heavy ones |
Autumn Flavors and Wine
Mushrooms and Wine
Autumn means mushrooms. The pairing with wine is exceptional.
| Mushroom | Recommended Wine |
|---|---|
| Matsutake | Aged Burgundy, Champagne |
| Porcini | Barolo, Chianti Classico |
| Black truffle | Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo |
| Maitake, Shimeji | Light reds, oaked Chardonnay |
Why Do Mushrooms and Wine Pair Well?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Earthy aromas | Resonate with tertiary aromas in aged wine |
| Umami | Harmonizes with wine's umami compounds |
| Texture | Moist texture complements red wine |
Game and Wine
Autumn to winter is game (wild meat) season.
| Game | Recommended Wine |
|---|---|
| Duck | Pinot Noir (Burgundy) |
| Venison | Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie |
| Wild boar | Bandol, Madiran |
| Pheasant | Aged Bordeaux |
Sommelier's Note For game, choose powerful wines with aging character. Wild flavors and wine complexity harmonize beautifully.
Autumn Staples
| Ingredient | Recommended Wine |
|---|---|
| Pacific saury | Koshu, dry rosé |
| Chestnuts | Sherry (Amontillado) |
| Pumpkin | Viognier, slightly sweet white |
| Persimmon | Late harvest Riesling |
Harvest Festivals Around the World
France
| Region | Festival Character |
|---|---|
| Burgundy | Traditional "Paulée" celebration to conclude |
| Champagne | Hand-harvesting required; modest festivities |
| Bordeaux | Each château hosts harvest parties |
Italy
| Region | Festival Character |
|---|---|
| Tuscany | "Vendemmia" festivals with music and dance |
| Piedmont | Coincides with white truffle festival |
Germany
| Region | Festival Character |
|---|---|
| Mosel | "Weinfest" with new wine and food stalls |
| Rheingau | Enjoy "Federweisser" (fermenting new wine) |
5 Wines to Drink in Autumn
1. Beaujolais-Villages
A step above Nouveau. Village-level wine with more depth.
2. Burgundy Pinot Noir
Perfect with mushroom dishes. Earthy notes harmonize with autumn flavors.
3. Barolo or Barbaresco
The kings of Piedmont, Italy. Paired with white truffle is pure bliss.
4. Côtes du Rhône
Excellent with game. Spicy and powerful red.
5. Koshu (Japan)
For saury and Japanese autumn dishes. Delicate flavors enhance Japanese cuisine.
Autumn Wine Events
Events to Enjoy in Japan
| Event | Timing | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Beaujolais Nouveau release | 3rd Thursday of November | Events nationwide |
| Yamanashi Nouveau Festival | November | Japanese new wine release |
| Wine Tourism Yamanashi | Autumn | Winery tours |
Our Recommendation
On release day, we offer Beaujolais Nouveau by the glass. Please enjoy the once-a-year taste of new wine at our bar.
Summary: Autumn is Wine's Harvest Season
| Point | Content |
|---|---|
| Vendange | Wine regions at peak energy during harvest |
| Beaujolais Nouveau | November release; fruity and light |
| Autumn flavors | Mushrooms, game, chestnuts—perfect with wine |
| Aged wines | As autumn deepens, enjoy complex wines |
The season of abundance is the perfect time to enjoy wine.
While thinking of the joy of harvest, savor the marriage of autumn flavors and wine.
We await you with wines perfect for autumn at our bar.