There’s really never a problem finding a reason to drink good wine, but this Thursday when the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau is released worldwide, it’s a pretty good reason. We’re sure there are lots of parties planned!

This wine is produced and fermented for a short time span, then released on the same day everywhere. It’s not a wine you should leave in your wine rack for more than a couple of weeks, really. Two reasons: it’s good, light and fruity and, it won’t keep very long, unlike other wines.

It’s produced and released this way on purpose. The light-colored wine is usually served chilled, like a white wine. There’s not a lot of tannin and it’s not extremely dry at all, so you Riesling folks should like it, too.

Local wine stores will carry this on Thursday. Plan your own dinner around it and try some Beaujolais (named for the Beaujolais region in France).

Locally, we’ve heard about one dinner celebrating the release, but we’re sure there are more. The Cigale Restaurant in Delray Beach will have two dinner seatings, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; for $32, you can get a four-course course dinner (plus dessert!) and a glass of Beaujolais. For more info about the dinner, click here. (A couple of the Swirl Girls have already made reservations!)

For more information about Beaujolais Nouveau, see the Georges Duboeuf site here. Let us know if you hear about any more Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations going on!