I received a couple of emails from readers asking for Thanksgiving wine recommendations. I wish I could recommend my own wines from my own winery, but… uh… I don’t have one!...yet ;-)
Coincidently, a few days ago I came across an article in the November issue of Soco Magazine written by Heather Fleming who is the Wine Specialist at Cardoza’s Wine & Spirits in Fairhaven, MA (arguably the best wine store in the Southeast Massachusetts area). Heather summarizes the basic guidelines for picking wines that match with your Thanksgiving Turkey meal.
In the Soco article, Heather points out <<The easiest way to understand food and wine pairing is to think of what you don’t want to happen. You don’t want a clash on your palate (think brushing your teeth then drinking orange juice), you don’t want the wine to overpower the food, and you don’t want the food to overpower the wine.>>
A couple other excerpts from the Soco article:
<<White wines that have a nice acid backbone (think granny smith apples) are very versatile and food friendly. Riesling and Gewurztraminer are both excellent white wines that are very food friendly and are traditional picks for Thanksgiving. Riesling and Gewurztraminer can be dry, medium dry, and sweet, so when shopping, keep in mind your guests. >>
<<For red, Pinot Noir is the best match. They tend to be lighter in body, have nice rich, fruity flavors, but the lack of tannins prevent these wines from being too heavy and overpowering. >>
I contacted Heather and asked her to send some recommendations my way. Below is the list of wines recommended along with her notes. I have no affiliation with Cardoza’s wine store or the wines recommended and am not making any commission from this… just wanted to be helpful and Heather knows a lot more than I do about the wines available at retail stores.
Reds
2005 Blackstone Reserve Sonoma Pinot Noir - Sonoma CA - $16.99 or 2 for $30 - A great Sonoma Pinot Noir for the money. Rich flavors of dried cherry, vanilla, and cranberry. Very velvety and smooth.
2005 Steven Vincent Crimson - California - $13.99 or 2 for $25 - This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that is a great match for Thanksgiving. Usually Cabernet Sauvignon would be too heavy and tannic for Turkey, but the Syrah in this wine really softens the Cabernet, and the Cabernet really adds a lot of flavor. This wine has a ton of flavor, but is soft and easy drinking. A great match with Turkey without overpowering the Turkey and other dishes on the table.
2004 Prado Rey Ribera del Duero Spain - $16.99 or 2 for $30 - This is a great red for Turkey for those who don't like fruit forward wines, but prefer a bit of tannins and earthiness. This is a blend of 95% Tempranillo, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot. Although a bit heavier than the two previous wines mentioned, it is still light enough to now over power the meal.
Whites
2007 Cono Sur Vision Viognier - Chile - $13.99 or 2 for $25 - Dry but fruity - flavors of apricot, peach and citrus. A hint of oak aging gives this wine a rich mouth feel. Will stand up to the many flavors on the table.
2006 Willm Riesling - Alsace France - $11.99 or 2 for $20 - A completely dry Riesling. Classic Riesling flavors of apple, peach and pear. Fruity but not sweet.
2006 Big Fire Pinot Gris - Oregon - $16.99 or 2 for $30 - Italian Pinot Grigio tends to be too light, but Oregon Pinot Gris is bigger bodied and richer. Big Fire is rich and fruity, but still has a nice crispness.
Note: Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape/wine.
I would like to hear what people picked and if they liked it or not.
My pick for Thanksgiving? Well, my cousin Raul always surprises me every year with a special bottle from his “collection”. Usually it is a red almost as old as I am which makes me feel young and special :-) I’m already curious about what it will be this year. I do plan on buying the Big Fire Pinot Gris that Heather recommends and drinking it as an appetizer with some “Rissóis”.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
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