Vive La France-Mabuhay Philippines!

Every year on the third Thursday of November, an extraordinary thing happens in the wine industry. The wine makers get ready for the much anticipated race to release the newest vintage to Paris and the rest of the world.

In keeping with the casual spirit of this much anticipated event, festivals and parties are held, bottles upon bottles are uncorked and the first sips of Beaujolais Nouveau are savored and towards early dawn slight hangovers are had.

The tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau was first celebrated in Manila in 1994. It continues to draw big crowds of wine enthusiasts.

The Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, together with Le Club French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines once again proudly welcomed Cebuanos, members of the French community and guests to an evening of music, laughter, abundant amounts of Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 amidst an array of authentic French cuisine and French cheeses that range from mild to pungent.

The festivities began with the ceremonial uncorking of the first bottle by guests of honor Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Le Club President Bernard Flour and newly-appointed French Honorary Consul Michel Lhuillier. They were ably assisted by the delightful, always prepared and ready with wonderful ideas General Manager Hans Hauri.

A parade of waiters in crisp white uniforms then shared the young wines to all the guests as they proposed a toast to good wine, good health and friendly international relations.

With the theme “Vive La France-Mabuhay Philippines,” the hotel’s majestic Grand Ballroom was adorned with images that showcased the fabulous and breathtaking sights of France and the Philippines masterfully and artistically captured by international photographer Daniel Carpentier who has made Cebu his home the past 13 years.

A relaxed, laid back but festive attitude in both presentation and attire was the order of the evening. After all, until the first bottle was uncorked, no one quite knew what to expect.

As the wines are bottled no more than three days after harvest and designed to be consumed soon and fast, the  Beaujolais Nouveau are light, purple-pink, fruity, and considered by wine connoisseurs  to be “easy drinking”. The light, relatively uncomplicated flavor allows it to pair surprisingly well with a wide range of flavors. No heavy tannins, no need to sniff and twirl, just simply pour, pour and enjoy.

After a brief interlude to appreciate the fine French dishes masterfully created by Chef Luke Cagnon and his team, the invitees were entertained by versatile singer Janet Basco.

The hosts for the evening were Johnny Litton, Cory Quirino and Johnny Revilla who steered the flow of activities culminating with the raffling of two round trip tickets to Paris via Qatar Airways.

While Beaujolais Nouveau wines are overly light and simple, it is a great excuse to get together and have a great party.

Sampe, mabuhay!