This year's bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau have hit store shelves across Japan. And in some more good news for wine drinkers, many retailers and importers have kept prices unchanged despite the weak yen.

The wine is made from grapes harvested in France's Beaujolais region. It traditionally goes on sale worldwide on the third Thursday of November.

One major supermarket operator says they managed to keep the price down by streamlining as much as possible, including shipping more crates per flight.

The chain is also stocking a cheaper variety from southern France. It hopes the offerings will lure shoppers amid sluggish wine sales.
Kato Shuichi of Aeon Retail says, "It has been difficult to travel to Europe due to the weak yen, but I hope customers will enjoy quality wine and bring some seasonal joy into their lives."

Major beverage company Suntory Spirits also says it is keeping prices unchanged from last year.
And Mercian under Kirin Holdings is following suit by simplifying its lineup.