Bonjour, beaujolais nouveau!

For fashion lovers, the fall season is all about the new collections. For students, it's all about the new semester. For TV fans, it's all about the new shows. And for wine lovers, fall's appeal is all wrapped up in two little words: beaujolais nouveau.

By tradition, the beaujolais nouveau (pronounced bo-jo-LAY noo-VOH) season begins at midnight on the third Thursday in November, which this year fell on November 15. Made from Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region, it's one of the only French reds that's produced, bottled, and released in the same year of the harvest.

Bright, fresh, and alive with intense fruit flavors, this is a great choice to enjoy with hearty ham, sausage, and cheese dishes—or simply on its own. To quote Wine Weekly, "Beaujolais Nouveau is not a wine to sniff, swirl, and contemplate; it’s a wine to pour and party with."

So the next time you're out visiting friends and wondering what to bring, tote along a colorful bottle (or two!) of this festive seasonal favorite. Très chic!