Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrivé!

CEBU, Philippines - On the third Thursday of November, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey for immediate shipment to all parts of the world. And every year, extensive marketing campaigns promote the wine’s arrival regardless of the vintage’s quality.

This year wine lovers had something to be excited about as 2009 went down as one of Beaujolais’ best vintages on record.

In keeping with tradition, the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel once again celebrated the year’s grandest wine festival with a Soiree Beaujolais at the property’s Grand Ballroom.

Guest of Honor Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia, assisted by Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier, Dominique Lebastard, Chief of Economic Section, Embassy of France, Rey Villar, president Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Bernard Flour, president Le Club, Philip Gauthier, co-founder of Le Club, Nigel Fisher, General Manager Marco Polo Davao and the gentleman of gentlemen, General Manager of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hans Hauri, formally opened the festivities with the ceremonial uncorking of Beaujolais Nouveau 2009.

A parade of waiters then shared it with all the guests while Governor Gwen Garcia and Bernard Flour proposed a toast to good wine and friendly international relations. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with yards upon yards of blue, white and red material depicting the colors of the National Flag of France. The oh so French ambience was equally matched with the impressive, layout of cold cuts, cheeses and superbly tasty delicacies.

The hosts for the affair were Philippine Star columnist Johnny Litton and wellness advocate Cory Quirino who masterfully steered the evenings activities. Lively entertainment was provided by the French guest musicians from La Rue Mouffetard and the Moulin Rouge Dancers. Special guest performer was versatile Cebuana singer Vernie Varga who simply captivated the crowd with her fabulous performance.

The French community in Cebu was highly visible along with out-of-town visitors from the capital city and foreign shores as well. French seasoned photographer and long time Cebu resident Daniel Carpentier who was responsible for bringing in the French performers accepted warm felicitations for a job well done.

With the formalities over and the merriment reaching maximum level, it was time to dance to the up-beat music of the Renaissance Band. The dance floor was filled to capacity as the music makers played the most popular pieces and invitees doing the boogie, chacha, swing and foxtrot and even some unfamiliar dance steps.

Apart from the revelry, dancing and singing, what makes Beaujolais Nouveau so popular is the way it is made - the must pressed early after only three days leaving an easy to drink fruity wine. It is meant to be gulped rather than sipped, enjoyed in high spirits rather than critiqued.

 And finally the fun is in knowing that the same celebration is taking place in homes, restaurants, bars and bistros, the world over. And in Cebu the only place to be was at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.