Which individual is largely credited with popularizing the release of Beaujolais Nouveau every year?

Georges Duboeuf is renowned for his significant role in popularizing the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau. In the 1980s, he effectively turned this young wine into a cultural phenomenon, promoting its release on the third Thursday of November each year. This event, characterized by celebratory parties and widespread marketing, helped to transform Beaujolais Nouveau into one of the most anticipated wine events globally. Duboeuf's efforts were pivotal in establishing the wine's identity and commercial success, making it synonymous with the excitement of fresh wine and seasonal festivities.

The other individuals mentioned, while notable figures in the Beaujolais region, are more associated with traditional winemaking and terroir-focused approaches rather than the commercial and celebratory aspects of Beaujolais Nouveau's release. Their work contributes to the quality and depth of wines from the region, but they did not have the same impact on promoting Beaujolais Nouveau as a cultural event as Duboeuf did.