TOKYO, Oct 19 (NHK) - Japan's first shipment of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
The first batch of 2,640 bottles arrived on Wednesday morning. It was inspected by Haneda customs officials before being handed over to the importer.
The wine made from grapes harvested in France's Beaujolais region goes on sale worldwide on the third Thursday of November every year. This year's release date is November 16.
Demand is likely to be higher than last year as this season is the first since the Japanese government downgraded the legal status of the coronavirus.
The importer says Japan is expected to import about 20 percent more of the wine than it did last year.
It also says 750 milliliter bottles will probably retail for about 10 to 20 percent less than last year, as airfare and other shipping costs have become relatively stable.
Yoshio Keiko, who heads Suntory Spirits' Wine Company, says this year's Beaujolais Nouveau is well-balanced and delicious, thanks to the extremely hot summer and moderate rainfall just before the harvest.
She says she hopes people will gather and drink it together.
Source: ANNnewsCH
