Askham Hall once again throws open its barn doors to celebrate the 2022 release of Beaujolais Nouveau.
Hosted by the venue’s much-loved and well-respected Maître D and award-winning sommelier, Nico Chieze in the informal surroundings of Bank Barn, a lucky few will enjoy free-flowing Beaujolais (Villages NOT Nouveau – more on that later!) on Thursday, 17 November accompanied by Richard Swale’s French-inspired rustic three-course menu. Tickets are strictly limited and go on sale on Monday 10 October at 10am here.
‘Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé’ is a French tradition celebrated across France on the third Thursday in November with music and festivals. Under French law, the wine is released at 12.01am, just weeks after the wine’s grapes have been harvested in the Beaujolais region.
As per the 2021 event, in a slight (ironic!) twist to this year’s proceedings – continued chaos with post-Brexit regulations means that Nico has been unable to secure this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau in time for the evening. Undeterred, this year’s event will feature a tempting Beaujolais Villages hand-selected by Nico – so not strictly Beaujolais Nouveau ‘nouveau’ but still ‘nouveau’ to guests on the evening. This year’s 2020 vintage comes from one of the oldest Beaujolais houses in the region, Domaine André Colonge. Now owned and run by the fourth generation, the vineyard has been in the family since 1789 – truly revolutionary!
Served free flow on the evening, this fresh, fruity and immensely-drinkable wine accompanies a menu inspired by the French roots of the evening while using an abundance of local produce from the hall’s kitchen gardens and the Lowther family estate; think ‘à la Française’ – terrine de campagne, homemade bread and pickles, hearty Boeuf Bourguignon and indulgent Tarte Tatin for dessert. It promises to be a wonderfully sociable evening celebrating the very best of our European neighbours’ – and Cumbria’s – local produce.
Tickets cost £65 per person and include dinner and unlimited Beaujolais wine. The bar will also be open for any additional drinks. Tickets go on sale on Monday 10 October at 10am and are strictly limited to 6 per booking – to book visit https://www.askhamhall.co.uk/le-beaujolais-est-arrive/
