The Perfect Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving?
Posted on November 20, 2020 in Sales
The gatherings this year may be a little smaller, the celebrations a little more subdued, but we all still have much to be thankful for & setting aside this day to come together – in-person or virtually – to acknowledge those gifts that we have remains important.
As we take measure of the fortunes that we have – the wealth of family, friends, food on our table & something in our glass – it is fitting that we celebrate those blessings regardless of their size. This year can provide the opportunity for heartfelt introspection as we look to a future that is closer to our past. If nothing else perhaps. we can just celebrate that 2020 is soon coming to a close? Meanwhile, stay healthy, hold fast & stay true.
Pairing a wine can enhance your Thanksgiving meal but it is often fraught with challenges – should it be Red or does White go better? What if we are having a ham instead of the more traditional turkey? Or what if we are having both?!? Thanksgiving, even more so than other feasts, causes fear with the host but we’re here to help you identify what may pair best with what you are serving & help you select the wine that you will enjoy.
Turkey is actually has fairly benign flavors. While I love it, it is really the prep & sides to consider to find the best match. That said, & the good news!, it is hard to go wrong pairing a with a Turkey dinner! There are plenty of reds & plenty of whites that match nicely! Even a good sparkling wine will hold up to the meal & may even raise the level of celebration.
Pinot Noir is a “go-to” pairing, it holds up to the sweetness of cranberry sauce & the spice of seasoned stuffing. Being fruit forward it is an easy sipper to enjoy while cooking, eating or even contemplating how much more you had than you should have…
But you can be adventuresome too. Turkey stuffing with mushrooms & nuts & a side serving of roasted Brussels sprouts calls for a wine with body like a Syrah, perhaps a Syrah blend from the Rhone Valley, or a Zinfandel from Paso Robles. Many Italian wines, especially Barbaresco or Super Tuscans (wines from Tuscany that don’t rely on Sangiovese as their main varietal) are a great match for hearty meals.
Considering Whites is only slightly more difficult as, for many, their light flavors will be overcome by the many tastes on the table. However, a Riesling, especially a drier style with a little bottle age (good Rieslings can easily age 20 yrs!) or California or Oregonian Chardonnay will also pair nicely. Of course you could really raise the game & open some White Burgundy, especially some with a little age on it.
Below are some recommendations that I think will pair nicely with your dinner. But don’t hesitate to reach out & ask! We love wine, we love talking about wine, & we love helping others explore their wine options.
Orin Swift Slander Pinot Noir 2018
Abundantly aromatic, this opens with ripe cranberry, marmalade, white pepper, fresh brioche, dried sage, & camphor. The entry is silky with a flood of bing cherry, vanilla & ripe red fruits. Seamless, integrated and elegantly opulent, the wine finishes gracefully with trace amounts of soft, oak tannin.
Reg $49.99 Sale Price $42.49
Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 2016
The 2016 Overlook Chardonnay opens with cedar and toast notes over a core of apricots, honeydew melon and grapefruit peel. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a good amount of uncomplicated fruit with a lively backbone and toasty finish.
91 pts Wine Spectator
Reg $26.99 Sale Price $19.49
Sileni Estates Pinot Noir 2016
With vibrant flavors of red berries, cherries, and a bit of spice this New Zealand Pinot Noir enhances any table. The wine has a rich mouth feel and savory toastiness. Drink as an aperitif or match with anything from grilled chicken, turkey, lamb, or a wonderful roast.
Reg $18.99 Sale Price $16.49
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017
Light garnet with brick rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of baking spices, earth, raspberries, some kirsch and forest floor. Aromas of spiced plum compote on the palate with a slight peppery, vegetal hint.
Reg $21.99 Sale Price $18.49
Méo-Camuzet is one of the most celebrated domaines of the Côte d’Or, located in the heart of prestigious Vosne-Romanée. This medium to full-bodied stunner is palate-coating yet bright. Concentrated notes of yellow fruit, brioche, and honeysuckle dominate the wine’s unctuous yet zesty palate. Drink now or lay down for another five years.
Reg $69.99 Sale Price $42.49
Additional Recommendations:
Angeline Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018 Reg Price $19.99
Cambria Clone 4 Pinot Noir Reg Price $29.99
Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2018 Reg Price $11.99
Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017 Reg Price $54.99
Domaine Darviot-Perrin, Burgundy 2014 Reg Price $97.99 Sale Price $82.99
Paper Road Pinot Noir 2017 Reg Price $21.99 Sale Price $14.99
Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2017 Reg Price $29.99 Sale Price $25.99
Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2018 Reg Price $12.99