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Ask a Wine-Know: What wine goes best with Thanksgiving?
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Posted by Anncierley Tue Oct 23, 2007 16:53:06 PDT
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Immediately after Halloween our thoughts turn to the impending holidays, and I begin to receive the question "What wine goes best with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner?" Every year I hear this question, and it's always a good one and fun to talk about. I did write about it last year, so much of what follows you've heard from me before. But for those of you perplexed by the many choices of wine for this special occasion, read on.

This question usually has two parts: what is the correct wine one should serve at Thanksgiving, and what wine is your personal favorite for special occasions?

Food and wine should complement each other, and there are many books and articles written about pairing wines with foods. But let's talk about this particular holiday and all the atmosphere and traditional foods that accompany it. We want a wine, or wines, that will add to the sights, aromas, warmth, and camaraderie of family and friends. We want to enhance the special spirit that celebrates togetherness, and adds to the quality of the feast spread before our eyes.

All of this joyfulness says Champagne! Or Sparkling Wine, which is what will be printed on most of the bottles you'll see on the store shelves. It's true. A glass or two of a beautiful "sparkler" is definitely what I personally want with my plate of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberries, yams, green beans, and other yummy things that end with pumpkin and minced meat pies.

A taste of a chilled effervescent, dry Blanc de Noirs or Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine or French Champagne will be just the thing to balance all those varied and rich and filling tastes. If you have only quaffed Champagne as a wedding toast or with a special hors d'ouvres before a celebratory dinner, try it sometime as an accompaniment to a meal at your home. It goes so well with turkey or ham and all other roasted flavors.It cuts right through all that fat, buttery taste! It's delicious and I think it  actually doesn't make you feel as stuffed as other wines might. Didn't our mothers tell us a little effervescence was good for the tummy? Hmm?.

I prefer brut (dry) sparkling wine or Champagne. Sec or demi-sec is the name for sweeter wines. A lovely rose' would be very nice too. There are always good sales on sparkling wines over the holiday season for a reason — they add to the festivities!

But that's me and my taste, though I'm not alone in proclaiming Champagne as the wine for Thanksgiving. Many people who pay attention to the adage "white wine with white meat (fish or fowl), red wine with red meat, pastas, and spicy dishes" will use white wines at their Thanksgiving tables. If you prefer that, there are some Chardonnays (the lighter, citrusy ones) that will stand up to the big richness of turkey and its side dishes. A good Sauvignon Blanc would be my choice for a white. It will add a piquant touch too. Also try Viogniers or Rieslings (a nice dry one). All will give different tastes to the dinner. A good suggestion would be to offer several different whites to your guests and let them choose their particular favorite for themselves. There is such a variety of tastes in a Thanksgiving dinner, it's hard to go wrong.

However, if you're a red wine drinking family, and most wine lovers are red drinkers with dinner, the wine of choice for this feast is Pinot Noir. It is the wine that goes best with the vast array of flavors you will be confronting. It is a beautiful, clear red, medium-bodied wine, not too tannic, that can be served from start to finish of the dinner. Stores are filled with many wonderful selections of Pinot Noirs these days. The wine used to be difficult to produce but many growers and winemakers have now mastered the art and the newer offerings are just getting better and better. There are fine Syrahs and Zinfandels that can accompany the spicier tastes also. Particularly of the pies!

Another wine that must be mentioned at this time of year, especially if you run across it, is Beaujolais Nouveau. It is a French wine made from the Gamay grape. It is traditionally released in France on the third Thursday in November. The French declare it is made to be drunk young, not collected (put down) or discussed. It is very popular as a light, red, flirtatious wine, and is definitely fun to drink for our Thanksgiving dinners.

So, from the time the clan starts gathering in the late morning to early afternoon, there must be fine wines offered and corks to be popped that will add greatly to this most American of all holidays!

Bon Appetit!

I respectfully suggest that if you are serious wine lovers, or are wanna-be's, you keep the following items in mind 'neath that refrigerator magnet - these are very valuable ways to learn a lot about wine without leaving town! Take guests along that come to town for the holidays.

Save This!   Regularly scheduled wine events

Wednesdays: Capistrano's, 1534 19th St,  5:30-7:30 P.M., $15 for 5-6 different wines plus cheese, crackers, fruit, phone 634-9234 for more info. Try this place for dinner too, great food, Cordon-Bleu chef.

Thursdays, Wine Down at the Petroleum Club, 5:30 to 7:00 Great event, numerous wines, great hors d'ouvres. Fabulous views, $20,  Public welcome

Last Friday of each month, Gourmet Shoppe Wine tasting, Cafe Med, 5:30-7:00, $20, 6-8 wines, Meir's great hors d'ouvres

Wine questions? acierley@etcrier.net

 

 

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