It’s that time of the year where we all come together to enjoy food, fellowship, and family. One question we often hear in the wine business is “What wine should I serve with Thanksgiving Dinner?” There is no definitive wrong or right answer, but here are some general guidelines to get you started.
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes are typically rich and full of flavor, with plenty of salt, butter, and spices. A wine that is intensely full bodied, like a heavily oaked Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, can distract from the food. For a red, try a wine that is low in acidity and tannins, such as a bright and fruity Pinot Noir. Erath (Oregon) has notes of plum, violet, and cherry and is a fantastic and affordable choice. For a white, try a Riesling or Chenin Blanc. Rieslings range from dry to very sweet, but a medium sweetness will bring balance to Turkey and side dishes. Try A to Z Riesling (Oregon). It has notes of lemongrass, green tea, and tangerine.
Another great choice is a Prosecco, Cava, or Brut Sparkling Wine. These wines pair well with hors d’oeuvres, as well as with fruit or dessert. Some of my current favorites are Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (Spain) and Roscato Prosecco (Italy). If you have guests with adventurous or discerning palates, they will appreciate Beajolais Nouveau… try Deboeuf (France). Another exciting choice is sparkling Rose such as Chandon Blanc De Noirs (California).
Finally, don’t let the pursuit of perfection add to the stress of the holidays. Purchase a couple of reasonably priced bottles so guests who are finicky have more than one choice. Keep an eye on the alcohol consumption too, the last thing you want is a wine fueled rehash of this entire election season! Enjoy the holidays and the company of loved ones and if you have questions, consult with your local Wine and Liquor Store, like Sam’s Package Store in Kingsport. They sample a multitude of wines and can help you find exactly what you need.
Rachel Smith – Sam’s Package Store – Stone Drive – Kingsport
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