Beaujolais from the Burgundy region is experiencing something of a renaissance in the wine world, it has been suggested.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, wine critic Lette Teague notes that Beaujolais' reputation took a significant hit in the early part of this century, with experts frequently dismissing the quality of the wine.

However, Ms Teague suggests that in recent years vineyards in the region have quietly been making quality wines, with 2009 being a particularly good vintage.

In fact, the writer suggests that a few wine buyers are now referring to Beaujolais "futures", a term only normally used in the wine world to discuss advance purchases of the First Growth Bordeaux.

The new Beaujolais are some of the most versatile food wines, matching well with pork chicken and fish, the piece concludes.

Beaujolais Nouveau's release is celebrated by a gathering of the Wine Society, with Burgundy vintners holding a festival to mark the occasion every year. This tradition dates back to the 1800s.