Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Lunch

Overview

If you're a wine lover, the third Thursday in November is rather special. It's Beaujolais Nouveau day — aka the day that the new batch of Beaujolais Nouveau is first made available. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's a vintage red wine that's best served chilled, is full of fruity flavour, and is bottled only six-to-eight weeks after harvest. Basically, it's not just any old plonk.

While we can't all spend the occasion in France, Brisbanites can get in on the grape-fuelled action at the city's Parisian-style restaurant and bar. Trust Madame Rouge to host a Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Lunch behind their flowing crimson curtains — and, to make the occasion an ideal, affordable midday date for two.

If they can serve up $1 oysters with the purchase of a drink, they can also offer up two glasses of the vino in question, with a picnic board, for $60. Eat a French selection of charcuterie, terrine and cheese, as accompanied by artisan breads, pickles and condiments. Drink some Beaujolais Nouveau. And given that it is happening from midday on a Thursday, perhaps plan a light afternoon afterwards.