Dozens of people gathered early Thursday in central Paris to mark the annual arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, sharing glasses of the red wine alongside plates of cold cuts and oysters.

Seafood seller Véronique Gillardeau attended the event and said her day had begun at the Rungis food market at 6 a.m.

Tasting the new vintage, she joked: "It tastes great, as usual… After five bottles, it’s really great!”

Restaurant owner Eric Khodja called the release a "timeless moment,” held every third Thursday of November.

He said the day highlights the work of winemakers and the sense of community around the tradition.

Beaujolais winemaker Gilles Gelin described the wine as "generous, accessible", with aromas of red fruits and "a nice acidity."

He said the region has undergone a major shift over the past 15 years toward terroir-driven and more premium products.

The November event, he added, remains a bright spot.

AP video by Alexander Turnbull