From Nouveau to Now: My Beaujolais Love Story
November always makes me think of Beaujolais. Maybe it’s the old Beaujolais Nouveau parties or maybe it’s just a perfect excuse to revisit one of my favourite French regions.
As the days turn cooler, I find myself reaching for reds with lift and freshness. Wines that cozy up nicely to autumn meals without feeling heavy. This month’s pick does exactly that: Louis Jadot’s Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais-Villages 2024. It is a bottle that delivers real Old World charm at a very friendly price.
Reviewed on CBC Radio One House Wine - November 14, 2025
That is quite a long name for a wine - Louis Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais-Villages 2024
It is but once you break it down, it makes perfect sense:
Louis Jadot is the winery — one of Burgundy’s best-known producers.
Combe Aux Jacques is the vineyard name.
Beaujolais-Villages tells you the sub-region and quality tier.
And 2024 is the vintage — a young, vibrant wine meant to be enjoyed now, not tucked away.
Beaujolais and November — a Little Throwback
Twenty plus years ago, Beaujolais was practically synonymous with November. Every year on the third Thursday, Beaujolais Nouveau was released with great fanfare. I remember when I was working in a wine shop, we would write up a big sign announcing “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!”
Beaujolais Nouveau isn’t a “thing” anymore but with that day coming up next Thursday, it feels like the perfect moment to reminisce and the perfect excuse to talk about one of my favourite corners of France, and arguably its most important wine region: Burgundy.
Thinking About Place
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on place. In wine, where it comes from matters just as much as what it’s made from. That’s the essential distinction between Old World and New World wines.
Old World wines come from Europe, where geography, history and tradition shape what’s in the glass. New World wines — from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S., Chile, Argentina, and South Africa — tend to spotlight the grape first. This Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages is pure Old World. It is deeply connected to its landscape.
Why Beaujolais? Why Burgundy?
Burgundy is one of France’s most storied regions - a narrow strip between Dijon (mustard) and Lyon (gastronomy). Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it’s also home to some of the most coveted vineyards on the planet. Travel south and you reach Beaujolais, a 56-kilometre stretch of granite soils, rolling hills and a completely different personality. Here, Gamay is the star.
Meet Gamay
Gamay is the only red grape permitted in Beaujolais AOC wines. It thrives in those granite-rich soils, producing wines that can be delightfully juicy or quietly complex. With its naturally soft tannins, it’s one of the most versatile food wines you can pour. A short chill, about 15 minutes, really lifts its cherry and raspberry notes.
Louis Jadot’s label since 1859
Louis Jadot: A Burgundy Benchmark
Louis Jadot has been woven into Burgundy’s history since 1859. Today they oversee more than 270 hectares across the region. Their Bacchus label - aka the Roman god of wine - has appeared on the bottle since the very beginning.
Understanding Beaujolais Quality Tiers
Beaujolais wines fall into three main groups:
Beaujolais — about half of total production
Beaujolais-Villages — fruit from 39 higher-quality villages
Beaujolais Crus — 10 exceptional villages with greater structure and longevity
Louis Jadot makes wine in many of Burgundy’s sub-appellations
Combe Aux Jacques sits in the Villages tier - wonderfully expressive and excellent value.
TASTING NOTE - Louis Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais-Villages 2024
Colour: Bright ruby, lightly translucent
Nose: Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, subtle spice, floral
Palate: Light to medium-bodied, silky and juicy, soft tannins, a touch of minerality
A Final Sip
It’s a cheerful bottle with plenty of charm. A perfect way to toast the season.
You’ll find Louis Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais-Villages 2024 at many wine shops across Alberta — check LiquorConnect.com for availability.
Listen to the full CBC Radio One segment here: House Wine on The Homestretch