Beaujolais has four distinct quality levels, all labelled differently. Beaujolais-Nouveau is the first wine in France to be released each year – fermented very quickly with carbonic maceration, and promptly bottled and rushed out the door in time for parties around the world every November. With explosive fruit flavours it is good for immediate consumption rather than aging. Beaujolais-Villages is two steps up the food chain, definitely wine of better quality without sacrificing the easy-drinking and fruity nature, superb barbecue wines, and often served lightly chilled like a rosé in the summer sunshine. Even better paired with some charcuterie.