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Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations

Stop by this Saturday to sample a few wines ideal for your Thanksgiving celebration and stock up with special discounts on all featured wines.

Our first rule for selecting Thanksgiving wine is not to freak out. The meal is far too diverse with textures, flavors and aromas to labor over perfect pairings. The wines should be light, refreshing and energetic, with moderate alcohol, lots of fruit, a lively acidity, and versatile enough to complement everything from the roast bird to Aunt Grace’s green bean casserole.

Perhaps even more importantly, you should have plenty of wine. Thanksgiving is time for merriment and the wine should be as bountiful as the food. We’ve selected a diverse list of wines that will enhance any feast.

Whether you’re using it as an aperitif, through the meal, or for a special toast, sparkling wine is one of the most versatile wines you can have on hand. The dry and complex 2012 Valldolina Cava (~$18) is a superb value from Spain, or try Chenin Blanc-based Thierry Germain’s “Bulles de Roche” Saumur (~$22) from the Loire Valley of France. For a little more elegance we suggest the vibrant Champagne Alexandre Penet “Extra Brut” (~$53). If it’s a small crowd of two or you want to bring a nice gift for the host, grab a half bottle of Champagne Deutz Rosé (~$26) in a lovely pink gift box.

Speaking of Rosé, you can hardly go wrong with the crisp and dry Merlot-based 2014 Rothschild Rosé (~$18) out of the Bordeaux region. Serve well-chilled with a seafood cocktail, fresh greens, and the like.

Cooler climate white wines are the order of the day. Abundant with fruit and freshness, 2014 Pievalta “Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi” (~$17) is a crowd favorite. Surprise your guests that have only known the grapefruity styles of Sauvignon Blanc with the bracing mineral qualities of 2014 Alphonse Mellot “La Moussière” Sancerre (~$26). Or elevate the entire evening with a couple of bottles of 2011 Darviot-Perrin “Les Magnys” Bourgogne (~$39) – an old vine chardonnay from a single vineyard steps away from Meursault in Burgundy.

You don’t want red wines that are too tannic or heavy because they’ll become cumbersome and could overpower many of the dishes. The drink pundits call for Beaujolais this time of year and it’s a great suggestion. But we’re going with something both similar and different. 2013 Artuke Rioja (~$14) has a similar weight and finish to many Beaujolais but with a ripe Tempranillo vibe that is distinctly Spanish. One of the best red wines to pair with almost any food is 2014 Fattoria Moretto “Lambrusco Grassparossa di Castelvetro” (~$16). It’s a little fizzy, it’s purple, and it’s a joy to drink. 2013 Coto de Gomariz “The Flower and the Bee” Ribeiro (~$18) is practically the wine version of cranberry sauce. And you can never go wrong with a good Pinot Noir from Burgundy. 2012 Claudie Jobard “Les Vaumuriens” Pommard (~$40) will set the evening on another plane of mirth. All of these red wines are best when slightly chilled, especially the Lambrusco and the Rioja.

For a sweet finish, the fortified Mas Amiel “20” Maury (~$44) is a cask blend with the youngest being 20 years in age. It’s loaded with notes of sweet herbs, black figs, candied licorice and fruit leather. Drink it with dessert or as dessert.

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Posted on 2015.11.19 in Saturday Sips Wines

 

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