With the holidays just around the corner, my next two columns will be about preparing you for the upcoming festivities. This month, we’ll focus on festive and fool proof Thanksgiving wines and next month we’ll showcase holiday party and New Year’s Eve wine recommendations.
A perfect starter for your Thanksgiving meal is sparkling wine. It’s crisp and welcoming and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
If you don’t have a champagne budget, try a bottle of Spanish Cava or California Sparkling wine. Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava is a great example of the former and J Vineyards Sparkling Cuvée from California will delight both wine lovers and casual drinkers.
Moving to the main course, Pinot Noir is the ultimate turkey wine. Its juicy red fruit and supple tannins flatter turkey, rich sides, and herb stuffing. Tuli Pinot Noir from Sonoma County is a great dinner pour.
If you prefer white wine with your turkey, a Pinot Gris or off-dry Riesling are excellent choices. Elk Cove or King Estate Pinot Gris are solid value wines.
Fess Parker Riesling from Santa Barbara is a popular favorite at this time of year. It balances spice and pairs well with sweet and savory dishes like cranberries and glazed ham.
If you want a bold choice, consider a California Zinfandel. Its lively berry flavors and subtle spice sing when paired with dark meat, spiced yams, and gravy.
Another “outside the box” option is a Rosé from either the Tavel or Bandol regions in France. Both are dark in color. Tavel Rosés are known for their full body, and robust, spicy flavors. Bandol Rosés have a more tannic structure with spicy, strawberry, and cherry flavors.
I’ve been saving a bottle of Chateau Pradeaux from Bandol for my Thanksgiving meal. It’s fruity and it bridges white and red flavors.
When it comes to dessert, you need a wine that will stand up to autumnal flavors like pumpkin pie, apple crisp and pecan tarts. Consider a Sauternes from France, a bottle of Canadian Ice wine or a late-harvest Riesling from NY or Washington State. Cheers!
