Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Whether you’re hosting or just attending you may be tasked with selecting a bottle of wine or two. Here are a couple tips to pick the perfect wine for this delicious occasion.
Red or White?
With the variety of flavors that come with a Thanksgiving meal, it can be very hard to decide on a single wine. Rich gravy, tart cranberry, sweet pumpkin-pies, buttery mashed potatoes and a combination of meats will have any sommelier stumped with pairings. If you’re hosting, a sure bet will be a red and white combo.
For the red, a good choice will be a Pinot Noir or a Syrah. Stay away from Cabernets as they are generally too tart for a turkey meal. For the white, select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
If you happen to play the part of a guest and want to bring a single bottle, you can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir for it’s highly adaptable nature and wide availability.
Try:
- Solena, Ponot Noir Grande Cuvee, Willamette Valley, OR 2009 – ($30) (Only 4,000 cases are made of this flavorful wine which Wine Enthusiast rates at 90 points.)
- Meiomi, Pinot Noir, California, 2010 ($20)
- Clone 5, Pinot Noir, California, 2006 ($17)
- Shaw Vineyard, Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, NY, 2004 ($20)
- Spy Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2009
($14)
- Whalebone Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ – ($12)
Table Talk
When was the last time you saw cousin Larry or aunt Sally? They will surely want to know about all of your current devious ventures and why you haven’t accepted their Facebook friend request. Change the subject with some interesting facts about the extremely exquisite bottle of wine you brought to dinner. Try picking a wine bought at a local vineyard, an exotic location you visited, or even one made in your homeland.
Buy Ahead
Considering millions of U.S. families around the country celebrate Thanksgiving and a large portion of them drink wine, bottles will be flying off the shelves. Save yourself the trouble of crowded last minute shopping and slim pickings by buying as early as possible.
Now hop to it, grab some wine and get your gobble-gobble on. Happy Thanksgiving!
