BEAUJOLAIS TAKES OFF TODAY

BEAUJOLAIS TAKES OFF TODAY    The annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau wine starts today with airlines and forwarders whisking the treasured bottles from France to consumers all over the world.
   Japan has become a leading market for the Beaujolais wine, which also often finds a place at many U.S. tables during the holiday season. “Beaujolais Nouveau Day” begins at sunrise on the third Thursday of November every year, and release of the wine for distribution begins sharply at 10 p.m. central European time exactly a week before. The same rules have been followed since 1954.
   British Airways World Cargo claims it will be the largest carrier of Beaujolais this year, moving almost 1,700 metric tons to such destinations as San Francisco, Miami, Toronto, Rio de Janiero and Dubai and Tokyo. The airline has leased in three freighters and formed project management teams to handle the business.
'    Air France, Alitalia and Asiana also are major carriers.