As it's the third Thursday in November it's time to usher in this years batch of Beaujolais Nouveau so we here at Contact Music thought we'd put together a little wine inspired playlist for you by way of celebration. There were sadly a few songs that didn't make this year's cut before we went to press(!) including anything by Simply Red, Amy Winehouse or Black Grape. (Thankfully we've also spared you Mistletoe And Wine, maybe next year Cliff?)

UB40 - Red, Red Wine. No Beaujolais playlist would be complete without this sing-a-long staple from UB40. Although originally sung by Neil Diamond in 1967 the Birmingham band's take on the song is the one firmly entrenched in the minds of the general public, so that's the one we've gone with. 

UB40 Red Red Wine UB40

Jeff Buckley - Lilac Wine, a song written in 1950 and one that has given rise to many great covers, including Nina Simone and John Legend to name but a few. Arguably though there is no better interpretation than that provided by Jeff Buckley from his wonderful Grace album of 1994. Jeff's vocal is so emotive, so delicate and so well captured it elevates the song with each note he sings.

Jeff Buckley Grace Jeff Buckley

Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood - Summer Wine. From the legendary '68 album Nancy And Lee comes a song that we just had to include on this playlist. Recently covered by Alex Kapranos, of Franz Ferdinand, and Clara Luciani the original is still by far the best and ranks at the top of many a duets 'best of' lists. Nancy, who has a remastered album coming out early next year is beguiling and acts as a brilliant foil to Hazlewood's maverick partner. 

Nancy Sinatra Lee Hazlewood Nancy & Lee

Billy Joel - Scenes From An Italian Restaurant. An oldie but a goodie. The piano man in his 1977 hey-day capturing the mood and setting the scene perfectly. "A bottle of red, a bottle of white, it all depends on your appetite". His piano playing is faultless, especially good is the mid-song solo, but the track is also lifted by some smooth sax, fitting accordion and plenty of jazzy horns to boot. The tale of Brenda and Eddie is one that has stood the test of time and one that still remains a firm fan favourite.

Billy JoelBilly Joel 

Oasis - Champagne Supernova. Yes I know, technically it's not red, it's sparkling and it's from an altogether different region, but, it is nonetheless, wine, and a cracking tune that we couldn't omit! Back in 1995 when the brothers Gallagher were on slightly better terms this Brit Pop classic off of the band's second album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory quickly became an anthem.

Oasis What's The Story Oasis

Marillion - Beaujolais Day. A song written just for this day and rather poetically, or ironically, taken from their 1987 album Clutching At Straws! "Would you drink to me next Beaujolais day" Fish sings across this lesser known tender ballad. 

Marillion Marillion

Whitesnake - Wine, Women 'An Song. The hard rockers fan favourite from '81. This is a rollicking stomper full of pumped up adrenalin fuelled intensity courtesy of front man David Coverdale and his band, which at the time included Ian Paice on drums and Jon Lord on keys. 

Whitesnake Whitesnake