Thanksgiving Wines
Every year before Thanksgiving we are facing the same question: what would be the best wine for Holiday Dinner? The art of wine and food pairing is a matter of personal preference; but we choose some whites and reds that are safe bets. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Beaujolais for red wine drinkers and Riesling, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc for white wine lovers. Besides traditional choices we picked some other varieties and blends that will add a little twist to the Thanksgiving Table.
Here are some basic information that might help you to choose the right bottle:
RIESLING – its apple, apricot and honey flavors combined with clarifying acidity makes it great companion for turkey and sweet potatoes.
SAUVIGNON BLANC – citrus based flavors and crisp mineral acidity supported by herbal and grassy notes make it primary choice for turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.
VIOGNIER – perfect alternative for Chardonnay and great structure of this wine gives you opportunity to shake things up
PINOT NOIR – earthy but elegant surrounded by red fruits flavors pairs well with turkey and stuffing.
ZINFANDEL – fuller and heartier than Pinot Noir, great pick for those who favors dark fruit and spice flavor; perfect with darker turkey meat (legs).
BEAUJOLAIS – young and fresh Beaujolais Nouveau it’s like a “liquid cranberry sauce”(of course not that sweet) fun to drink; Cru Beaujolais from Morgon and Brouilly have similar structure to Pinot Noir but they fruitier and shows brighter acidity; great match for Thanksgiving fare.
ROSÉ and SPARKLING WINES – are very versatile for pairing with almost everything on the Thanksgiving table; choose dry rosé or “extra brut” sparkling.
SHERRY PEDRO XIMÉNEZ – its nutty, caramel like and sweet spice flavors make it excellent match for pumpkin and pecan pie; late harvest RIESLING or TOKAJI are great choice as well.
WEDNESDAY 11/21 5pm-8pm
CONTI FORMENTINI COLLIO FRIULANO 2011
SHARECROPPER’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2011
NITTNAUS BURGENLAND BLAURFÄNKISH 2008
