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| Thanksgiving Wines |
by Andrea ImmerFrom tangy cranberry jelly, to gooey-sweet yams, to spicy stuffing and meaty turkey, the traditional Thanksgiving lineup surely qualifies as the most schizo menu of the year. For a sommelier like me, that spells major job security, as every year at this time the distress calls, faxes, emails and hits to my website start pouring in about what wine to pair with all those far-flung flavors. The easiest answer is Zinfandel, the grape American vintners and wine drinkers have adopted as our own because, unlike the popular grapes Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, it doesn't have obviously French origins. (In truth, scientists have linked it to the Primitivo grape of southern Italy, but as we've adopted hot dogs, aka Frankfurters, we might as well claim Zin, too.) Both versions, red and white (sometimes called blush-style), are worthy. Here are some buying tips to keep in mind: White Zinfandel - Some people are snobby about this blush wine with a little sweetness, but as the varietal wine that converted a lot of screwcap drinkers, I give it credit. With its lively, refreshing style it could be your white wine offering, and will be appreciated by those at the table who aren't into reds. Red Zinfandel - This can range from easy-drinking, easy on the wallet, to intense and full-bodied (and more expensive). Your choice depends as much on your taste as your budget. If you like big, intense reds then go for it. But at Thanksgiving you may prefer to let the cook's efforts take center stage, in which case one of the more moderate-priced and -styled versions will be perfect. My other favorite styles for Thanksgiving, Sauvignon Blanc whites and Syrah reds, each have a style signature that beautifully complements the traditional Thanksgiving food lineup. Although there are boutique bottlings, with prices to match, you needn't pay a lot to get a good one. Sauvignon Blanc - This white grape has a vibrant tanginess and slight pungency that shows tremendous versatility with all those flavors on the table. Some wineries use the name Fumé Blanc on the label-same thing. Syrah - This red's style signature is vibrant fruit flavor tinged with spiciness - both savory spices like pepper, and sweet spices like cinnamon and clove. No wonder it's such a great food partner! Some wineries use an alternate spelling, Shiraz. For serving, I recommend you simply put the open bottles on the table and let guests help themselves to whatever they like. Experiment and have fun! |
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About the Author: In addition to contributing to wineanswers.com, Andrea Immer is the author of Great Tastes Made Simple: Extraordinary Food and Wine Pairing for Every Palate, Andrea Immer's Wine Buying Guide for Everyone, and Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier. She is also a columnist for Esquire and other publications, and Dean of Wine Studies for the French Culinary Institute in New York. Former Beverage Director for Windows on the World in New York, Andrea now serves on the committee for the Windows of Hope Fund that raises money for the families of the Windows on the World employees affected by the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center disaster. |
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Provided by wineanswers.com Thanksgiving Wine Advisor Choosing wines to enjoy with Thanksgiving dinner is easy. Why? Because it's hard to make a bad choice. Simply picking your favorite wines to share with your guests on this special day will make them thankful. Or, let us give you some ideas. Because your guest list is as diverse as the dishes you plan on serving, we have supplied you with advice for red wines, white wines, rosés and sparkling wines to serve. You may prefer to serve all whites or all reds, or a few selections of each. You may want to start the evening with a sparkling wine and carry it all the way through the meal. And, don't forget how delicious rosés can be. Also, this is the time to serve your wines 'family style,' the way you serve your meal-just open your selections and let your guests help themselves to the tastes they like. Whatever you choose, we wish you the best Thanksgiving ever. Because there are so many good wine and food pairings for Thanksgiving dinner, just select the type of wine you favor-and let us offer options to please every palate. Red Wines Much of the appeal of Thanksgiving dinner is found in the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen while the meal is being prepared. And a very aromatic red wine such as Pinot Noir fits right in and adds its own unique appeal. Generally light in body, with soft texture as a counterpoint to its lovely aroma, Pinot Noir is easy to love, especially among the many flavors of Thanksgiving. Every year in November, the first wine of the harvest in the Beaujolais region in France makes its way to market. The wine-Beaujolais Nouveau (literally "new Beaujolais") is as fresh and appealing as its name. Made of the Gamay grape, this fresh, purple wine is all fruit and no pretension, and well complements Thanksgiving fare. And, as it can be enjoyed slightly chilled, it is likely to please those who favor white wines, too. For those who like their red wines hearty and full of flavor, a Syrah or Zinfandel will nicely balance even the most flavorful and spicy Thanksgiving fare. Whether from the Rhone Valley in France or California, or Australia (where they are called 'Shiraz') they offer great depth of color and flavor, with a decidedly peppery note that many find delicious. Similarly, the all-American Zinfandel is a sturdy red wine with lots of spice on its own to satisfy the hunger for lots of flavor to go with the meal. White Wines One of the best pairings for Turkey, and many of the traditional side dishes, is Chardonnay, a wine nearly always made in a dry but fresh and fruity style. Choose a full-bodied, ripe, fruity Chardonnay from California, Australia, or Chile, and you'll have a wine that serves well from appetizers through the meal. A slightly more crisp wine that also goes well with the traditional meal is Sauvignon Blanc, with its bright fruit acidity and plenty of herbaceous character to complement the many spices in the stuffing and side dishes. Those who favor a lighter and more delicate white wine will find Riesling from Washington State or the Finger Lakes region of New York a great match for Thanksgiving dinner. The light floral aroma of Riesling and its soft, fresh fruit flavors fit nicely into the array of seasonings this traditional dinner offers, and the hint of sweetness offered by most Rieslings gives this wine great appeal for many palates. Rosé Wines It's true that dry rose wines go well with almost any dish, and with so many flavors on the table at Thanksgiving, rose can be a great choice. If your taste runs to drier wines, a rose from the Cotes du Rhone or Provence regions in France will be light, crisp, and flavorful, but won't overpower the meal. A dry rose from California--made from one of the Rhone grape varieties such as Grenache--will also nicely fill the bill. If your tastes run to the slightly sweeter and fruitier wines, White Zinfandel is a good choice, with supple, ripe fruit flavors that fit right in with sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and the sweet onion flavors of most stuffings. Sparkling Wines Because a traditional Thanksgiving meal brings together such a diverse range of flavors, and some that are rich or slightly sweet, a sparkling wine that is not completely dry will please nearly everyone. If your choice is French Champagne or California sparkling wine, choose one labeled "extra dry," ("brut" is the driest category, and "extra dry" is just a little softer, with fuller fruit flavors). Another good choice for a delicious sparkling wine for this holiday meal is one from the Loire Valley in France. These wines are made from the Chenin Blanc grape, and offer fresh and luscious fruit flavors that harmonize well with all of the traditional Thanksgiving delights. |
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