Every year I get so many people asking me what wines they should serve for Thanksgiving. After all, with so many dishes, from sweet to savory, appetizers and desserts, there’s obviously not one single wine to fit an entire meal. But who said you only have to serve one wine????
Bubbles
Sparkling wine or champagne is my go to apertif for Thanksgiving as there’s nothing more inviting when you walk in the door than to be handed a glass of bubbles. I’m a huge fan of sparkling rosé, which actually pairs well with the Thanksgiving meal. Be sure to have a few bottles on hand for those people who want to keep on sipping!
Montenisa Brut Rosé, Franciacorta, Italy $39
This elegantly-styled dry rosé qualifies as distinctive AND delicious. Hailing from the Lombardy region of Italy, Franciacorta is an area designated to make top-quality sparkling wine in the traditional method. It ranks alongside top California sparklers as well as those from the French region of Champagne.
Loimer Brut Rosé, Niederosterriech, Austria $30
If you’re an adventurous fizz fanatic like I am, you are always seeking out new sparklers to enjoy. This unique bubbly crafted by iconic winemaker, Fred Loimer, is made in the traditional method of ageing in bottle. Floral aromas and red berry freshness make this stylishly dry rosé one to sip as an aperitif or with lighter dishes.
Barone Pizzini “Animante” Brut, Franciacorta DOCG, Italy$37
Barone Pizzini has been producing wine since 1870 and this classically crisp, dry bubbly is crafted with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc). With a streak of refreshing minerality and citrusy freshness, it’s sparkling wine that will impress.
Aromatic Whites
Thanksgiving is the day to set aside your typical Chardonnay in favor of lighter, more aromatic whites. With a mix of dishes, the buttery, oaky quality of Chardonnay overpowers the meal and doesn’t do the wine justice. Instead, look for wines like a medium-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer (an excellent Turkey day choice), a Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon or Viognier. If you’re hell bent on Chardonnay though, look for an un-oaked version to complement the varied dishes on the Thanksgiving table.
2015 Ritual Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile $15
This version of Sauvignon hails from the cool climate Casablanca Valley, which is home to many of the country’s top whites and Pinot Noirs. Ritual’s version of Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and fresh with a ping of vibrant acidity and marries layers of complexity with affordability and versatility. Stock up as it will become a household favorite.
2015 Amavi Semillon, Walla Walla Valley, Washington $24
I have long adored the wines of Amavi Cellars in Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. Their focus on sustainability and quality is unmatched. This Semillon – a white variety known in the Bordeaux region of France – showcases how well the grape has taken to Washington’s sunny yet cool climate. Like its European brethren, Amavi blends a touch of Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon to balance its richness. Flashing a generous amount of ripe melon and citrus fruit character on the nose and palate, it also teases with minerality and brightness. A white with class and style.
2015 Wittmann Riesling Troken, Rheinhessen, Germany$20
As a Riesling lover, I’m constantly searching for bottles that showcase the best of the variety. This mineral-laden, citrus-scented, dry-styled beauty is one to seek out. Pick up a few bottles to pair with your variety of Thanksgiving dishes. You, too, will fall under the spell of Riesling.
2015 Acquiesce Viognier, Lodi, California $24
This Viognier captures ginger and orange peel aromas with a supple texture, much like the classic examples from Condrieu. It’s beauty in a bottle. You can join the mailing list at their website or visit the property and indulge in their wine and food pairings. *Current release is 2016
2016 Emiliana “Natura” Un-Oaked Chardonnay, Valle del Bio-Bio, Chile $11
On several of my trips to Chile’s wine country, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Emiliana. It’s a stunning, but low-key property devoted to creating wines focused on the principles of organics and biodynamics. Their label “Natura” is one I recommend frequently for its affordability and drinkability. Sure, it’s made with organically grown grapes, but the wines are just plain delicious. This oak-free style of Chardonnay is crisp with bright citrus and green apple notes and a smack of mouthwatering acidity.
Elegant Reds
Just like avoiding the boldness of a Chardonnay, try to avoid any “BIG” reds as the oak and the tannin in these wines will overpower your Thanksgiving meal. Instead, look for more well-rounded wines, like a Pinot Noir, or Merlot.
2014 Buty “Conner Lee Vineyard” Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, Washington $45
When I first tasted the wines from Buty (pronounced beauty) I called them one of Washington state’s best producers. Being lucky enough to sample their wines year after year, that declaration still holds true. This supple, elegant red is two-thirds Merlot and one third Cabernet Franc grown in the famed Conner Lee Vineyard. It’s a wine to age for up to a decade or drink alongside rosemary-infused turkey and mashed potatoes.
2104 Viña Maquis Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva, Colchagua Valley, Chile $20
Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety known as in France’s Bordeaux and Loire regions. There are spots around the globe where small pockets are planted (Napa Valley, for example), but it’s rare to find versions from Chile. This elegant, floral red hails from a winery that just celebrated its 100 year anniversary. Maquis’s Cab Franc is what I call a “twice the price” wine as it delivers quality and character worth double its price tag. Grab a bottle to serve or a case to savor later.
2013 Reata “Three County” Pinot Noir, California$35
Reata’s full-bodied Pinot Noir is a blend of grapes from Monterey, San Benito and Sonoma counties. It’s a Pinot with suppleness and ripe fruit notes. Enjoy it as a perfect wine pairing with any of your Thanksgiving dishes.
2015 Martin Ray, Pinot Noir, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $40
This fleshy yet perfumed Pinot Noir showcases the effects of growing grapes in the rich Gold Ridge soil of Russian River Valley’s special Green Valley. Here the fog lingers keeping temperatures cool, which ultimately creates wines of elegance and style. A beautiful red that will surprise and impress.
Dessert and After
Don’t be afraid of dessert wines! Whether you’re serving pumpkin or pecan pie, chocolate mousse or just more wine, a slightly sweet sipper is the best end of the meal choice.
These bubbles are an excellent way to end the meal or festivities. Served best with dessert, this organically grown sparkling Moscato smells of custard and finishes with a spiced apple finish. Look in the aisles of your local Whole Foods to grab a bottle.
Broadbent Madeira Malmsey 10 Years Old, Portugal $45
Madeira is one of the most famed wines and is undergoing a renaissance in the United States. This Malmsey (name of a grape variety) is an aged, sweet style with toasted almond and toffee aromas layered with bright acidity and lusciously sweet yet balanced flavors. Pour as a perfect complement to an après-dinner cheese platter or dark chocolate dessert.
There are so many delicious options for your Thanksgiving table. Give everyone two glasses and let them take their pick, from bubbles to white, reds to dessert wine and ENJOY!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
