On the third Thursday of every November, Beaujolais Nouveau wine begins its short but vibrant retail life, and its release is feted in French restaurants everywhere, including some in Kansas City. </p><p>The Nouveau is a fruity red wine produced in Beaujolais vineyards in southern Burgundy, France. Some view it as a harvest wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner because it is a light enough red wine for white meat. Others see it as a preview of a winemaker&rsquo;s coming vintage. </p><p>Speedy production distinguishes the Nouveau from other wines, including other Beaujolais wines made from the same Gamay grape. Unlike most wines, the Nouveau goes from harvest to bottle in about two months. Because it typically does not age well, it is meant to be consumed while it is young, within months of its release.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a very light wine that is easy to drink,&rdquo; said Andrea Bough, who owns Wine in Brookside and will stock the Nouveau. &ldquo;People who don&rsquo;t (typically) drink red wine would enjoy it.&rdquo; </p><p>Like all wines, the Nouveau is not for everyone. &ldquo;It is not as full and round and rich as other Beaujolais wines because it is picked, bottled, crushed and shipped all within months of harvest,&rdquo; said Jennifer Stanton, who owns Wines by Jennifer in Parkville. </p><p>Because of its short shelf life and because the quality varies from year to year, the Nouveau &ldquo;is not a wine to be taken seriously,&rdquo; Bough said. &ldquo;It is about the celebrations and the release parties.&rdquo; </p><p>Barbara Rafael, co-owner of Le Fou Frog, a French bistro near the River Market, said the Nouveau is meant to be &ldquo;quaffed, not sipped.&rdquo;</p><p>The importer for Georges Duboeuf says its 2009 Nouveau retails between $9 and $11 a bottle. Found widely where wine is sold, the Nouveau is heralded in signs in French: &ldquo;Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arriv&eacute;!&rdquo; Yearly anticipation and short bottle life mean that it often sells out quickly.</p><p><hr class="infobox-hr-separator" /> <div class="infobox"> <strong><span class="infobox-head">RELEASE PARTIES </span></strong><br /> &bull;<strong>Aixois:</strong> Co-owner Megan Langlade said the Crestwood restaurant will use the Beaujolais Nouveau in its small plates and main dishes. Small plates will include oeufs en meurette and escargot, and main dishes will include filet mignon, halibut and coq au vin, ranging from $6.50 to $24. Georges Duboeuf&rsquo;s Nouveau wine by the glass will be $7. These specials will run Nov. 19-21. 301 E. 55th St., 816-333-3305 </p><p>&bull;<strong>Caf&eacute; des Amis:</strong> Chef manager Guillaume Hanriot said the restaurant will offer a special prix fixe menu Nov. 19. Customers can purchase a three-course dinner (including a glass of the Nouveau) for $39. 112&ensp; 1/2 Main St., Parkville, 816-587-6767</p><p>&bull;<strong>Caf&eacute; Provence</strong> will celebrate with a prix fixe menu and an accordion player. 3936 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, 913-384-5998</p><p>&bull;<strong>Le Fou Frog:</strong> Co-owner Barbara Rafael said the restaurant will celebrate with happy hour and dinner specials made with a Beaujolais Nouveau reduction, including beef bourguignon, coq au vin, garlic sausage en brioche and beef tongue. Le Fou Frog also will serve sausage and cheese, and Georges Duboeuf&rsquo;s Nouveau by the glass for $7.50. 400 E. Fifth St., 816-474-6060</p><p></div> <hr class="infobox-hr-separator" /> <div class="infobox"> <strong><span class="infobox-head">HOME CONSUMPTION </span></strong><br /> Andrea Bough, owner of Wine in Brookside, suggests serving Beaujolais Nouveau with white meat or with creamy cheeses that are not sharp. Le Fou Frog&rsquo;s Barbara Rafael recommends Brie, St. Andr&eacute; and Camembert. </p><p>Because the Nouveau is a light red wine, it should be served slightly chilled instead of at room temperature as most red wines are.</p><p></div>