Thanksgiving Wine Buying Guide
Ah, Thanksgiving! A cherished holiday here in America... the turkey, the stuffing, the socially acceptable unbuttoning of the jeans to make room for more... With turkey day right around the corner, it's time to choose the wine! (If you're family is as hectic as mine, this Thanksgiving, you're going to need it.) Turkey Day is one holiday meal that is challenging to the wishful sommelier because of the diversity of flavors with which to pair. As I learn more and more about wine, I've learned to respect traditional pairings and embrace the opportunity to take chances. Here are some classic and unexpected Thanksgiving Wine pairings to enjoy!
Thanksgiving Wine: The Reds
Oregon Pinot Noir: Why Oregon? Pinot noir from Oregon is an extremely versatile food wine that can pair with a variety of foods (think: starch, meat, veggies and gravy). California tends create pinot noirs that are fuller and richer while pinot noir from Oregon tends to be more delicate and fragrant wines. Pinot Noir is a classic, brilliant choice to pair with your Thanksgiving meal. The earthy undertones will highlight the herbs of the gravy and the stuffing. Try these with this years turkey dinner:
- Winderlea Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Vineyards, Dundee Hills AVA $42
- J.Christopher Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $27
Dolcetto: Dolcetto is an Italian varietal and an unexpected choice for traditional Thanksgiving fan faire but unexpected is good! Dolcetto is a light-medium bodied red usually from a region called Piedmont in northern Italy. Dolcetto has great acidity that can stand up to the contrasting flavors of your holiday meal without knocking you out with tannin.
- Pecchenino San Luigi Dolcetto di Dogliani, Piedmont $22
- Roagna Dolcetto d'Alba, Piedmont $18
Beaujolais: Beaujolais works so well with the Thanksgiving feast. It's fruity, not tannic, low in alcohol and absolutely delicious. A bonus: Beaujolais is affordable, scoring a slammin' Beaujolais for under $20-$30 is easy-peasy. Beaujolais used to be considered plonk wine but I urge you to give it a try because quality Beaujolais is increasingly easier to find.
- Chateau Thivin, Côte de Brouilly; $27
- Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages $13-$15
Thanksgiving Wine: The Whites
Riesling: Do not scoff at riesling. Riesling gets a bad rep: the German words can be intimidating or the sweetness can make it seem juvenile but riesling is amazing for so many reasons. A classic, noble variety of wine, Riesling can be the ultimate food pairing wine. Ranging from bone-dry to sweet, I suggest a dry or off-dry Reisling with your Thanksgiving meal. Rieslings can come from Germany, Austria, France, or the United States (to name a few places). Rielsing will feature flavorful and aromatic slate, minerality, and citrus notes. The crisp, refreshing acidity will make you want another sip but the low alcohol content will keep you from being "that guy" at the dinner table.
- C.H. Berres Impulse Riesling, Mosel; $16
- Donnhöff trocken Riesling, Nahe; $24
Rosé: Rosé is not just for summer sippin'. The light body and citrus notes of a rosé will undeniably enhance the diverse flavors presented at a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This may be the last time to soak up on roseé before the winter so get your fill! Take a long sniff into your glass and travel to a warmer time! Rosés of note:
- Chanteleeuserie Rosé, Bourguiel; $17
- Hecht & Bannier, Cotes de Provence; $22