The origin and history of Beaujolais Nouveau As early as the 19th century, a handful of wine merchants bought Beaujolais Nouveau “sous le pressoir” (under the press), and in the following weeks presented it to distributors, cafetiers and restaurateurs in Paris and Lyon. Fermentation of the wines was often completed during transport, thus protecting them from spoilage. However, the history of Beaujolais Nouveau was subsequently marked by changes in regulations. In November 195