Today, November 19th, is the release date for Beaujolais Nouveau. The 2014 Beaujolais Wine Committee praised the wines of the 2014 vintage as "elegant, flavorful, and well-balanced." But how about this year's? We spoke with a wine buyer at Isetan Mitsukoshi. "This year's grapes have grown in excellent condition, even among recent years, resulting in a wonderful harvest," the buyer commented. Following the "2015 Beaujolais Nouveau Catalog" published by Isetan Mitsukoshi, he introduced this year's recommendations, categorized into "classic" and "limited edition/specialty" varieties. First, as a "classic, lighter" Nouveau, we have Raoul Courage's Beaujolais Nouveau (red, 2,400 yen). It's described as fruity, soft, and fresh, with nuances of berry and flowers. Also from Raoul Courage, we have the Macon Villages Nouveau (white, 2,800 yen). This white wine is produced in the villages of the Mâconnais region and is characterized by its clear, slightly greenish color, aromas of white flowers, and sharp taste.

For a "limited edition, enthusiast-friendly, and lighter" wine, try Jean Carillon's antioxidant-free Beaujolais Nouveau (red, 2,700 yen). It has a soft aroma of red nuts, a robust flavor, and a long, lingering finish. Maison Champy's Beaujolais Rosé Nouveau (rosé, 2,625 yen including tax), exclusive to Isetan Mitsukoshi, is unusually pink in color and has a gentle mouthfeel.

For a "classic, fuller" Nouveau, try Maison du Tastrune's Beaujolais Nouveau (red, 3,200 yen). It has a gorgeous, expressive aroma reminiscent of tea leaves, while also having a supple mouthfeel and the freshness of Nouveau. In the "Limited, Exclusive, and Heavy" category, we have Beaujolais Villages Nouveau "Premium" (red, special wooden box, 4,500 yen) from Dominique Laurent, one of Burgundy's leading winemakers. Made from grapes from old vines with an average age of over 30 years, this rich-bodied Nouveau is crafted with minimal filtering to bring out the natural flavor of the grapes.