Wines to Pair with Your Thanksgiving Fare!

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's time to select wines to pair with your holiday meal. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, with one zillion flavors to consider, a panoply of palates, and the cost of providing wine for twenty plus thirsty friends and family members, this task is easier said than done. This is the prime time of year for an acute case of Wine Pairing Paralysis!

Never fear, my fellow wine lovers - the Glamorous Gourmet has you covered! In keeping with my previously mentioned "Wine Pairing Principles" and in the spirit of this very American holiday, I've selected six fabulous, American wines that are sure to get you through the day sans panic attack. It's always a good idea to have one white and one red on the table, so whether you are a fan of bubbles, the classics, or are looking for a more alternative approach, I hope one of these pairs fits the bill:

Sparkling Duo: These sparkling wines are bound to be a hit with your bubbly-loving guests! 
J Cuvée 20 Brut NV: Commemorating twenty years of winemaking at J Vineyards, this lovely blend of 49% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir and 2% Pinot Meunier hails from the cool climate of the Russian River Valley. Its delicate notes of citrus, apples and toasted brioche are light and lovely and the perfect kick off and/or accompaniment to your holiday feast.

J Brut Rosé NV: This second offering from J Vineyards is a delightful blend of 64% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Meunier also from the RRV. This sparkler makes a dramatic presentation in a clear bottle that showcases its gorgeous pink, salmon-colored hue. This medium to full-bodied wine has lovely notes of wild strawberry, citrus and spice and its lively acidity will stand up to the delicious flavors of your holiday meal. 

Classic Duo: You can't go wrong with these vinous classics!
2010 Morgan Metallico Un-Oaked Chardonnay: For those of you who are wary of California Chardonnay, think again! This Chard is fermented in 100% stainless steel and exhibits lovely fresh, fruity notes of citrus and green apple with a lively food friendly acidity. Without the heavy "cloak of oak," this Chardonnay is a fabulous pairing with your holiday meal!
 
2009 Fess Parker Santa Barbara Pinot Noir: Hailing from the vineyards of the legendary actor, Fess Parker in Santa Barbara County, California this approachable offering is rife with juicy flavors of dark cherries, baking spices and sweet toasty oak. It is lush and lovely with ample appeal and will definitely "play nicely" with the diverse flavors of your holiday meal. 

Alternative Duo: Delight your guests with these unconventional offerings!
2010 Darioush Signature Viognier: This elegant white entices with floral and tropical fruit aromas accompanied by starfruit, pear and citrus on the palate. A kiss of French oak imparts a lovely spice to this medium to full-bodied wine that maintains a crisp acidity and a long, lingering finish. This wine is sure to be a standout on your holiday table.

2007 Bonny Doon "Le Cigare Volant": This interesting Rhône-inspired blend of 60% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah and 4% Cinsault hailing from California's Central Coast has a distinctive Old World feel. Flavors of dark cherry and plum are accompanied by characteristic notes of earth, game and garrigue. This youthful wine also has firm tannins and a long finish and would definitely benefit from decanting prior to serving.

I hope you enjoy these wines and I'd like to wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Wine Pairing Principles for Thanksgiving and Beyond!

Holidays like Thanksgiving can sometimes cause an acute case of WPP otherwise known as wine pairing paralysis. With the cacophony of flavors and textures involved in a meal whose primary goal is to stuff oneself until bursting, what wine could possibly (1) complement the meal (2) appeal to a variety of palates and (3) not break the bank? Don’t fret, my fellow wine lovers, here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier for Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal.

When presented with dishes such as roasted turkey, caramelized onion and cornbread stuffing, cranberry compote, sweet potato casserole and Brussels sprouts at the same meal, the best wines to select (and guests too I might add) are those that “play nicely with others.” Choose wines that are fruit-forward with a food-friendly acidity that will not only stimulate your taste buds but “do no harm” to your already flavor filled meal. Hold off on tannic Cabernet Sauvignons or heavily oaked Chardonnays and opt instead for lighter style Rieslings, unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot.

The same principles apply when trying to satisfy a variety of palates at your holiday gathering. Avoiding wines with harsh tannins and heavy oak influence is usually a good game plan. Select a fruity, approachable Cru Beaujolais or crisp, bubbly Spanish Cava to appease your guests. While universally appealing, these wines will also complement the flavors in your meal beautifully.

Thirdly, we all know holidays like Thanksgiving can involve feeding a small army of family and friends; however, finding an appropriate wine to serve doesn’t have to break the bank. Choose wines from regions known for producing great values at reasonable prices including Spain’s La Rioja, Chile’s Central Valley and France’s Beaujolais AOC to name a few. Save your Classified Growth Bordeaux and California cult collectibles for another occasion! Stock up on your favorite value wines and have them on hand when guests drop by for some “holiday cheer.”

Use the above principles to eliminate your wine pairing paralysis and get you through any holiday meal in style. Here are a few recommendations to get you started – Cheers and have a fabulous Thanksgiving Holiday!


1. J Vineyards “Cuvée 20” Brut Sparkling Wine NV $20
2. Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Riesling QbA Mosel 2009 $12
3. Castillo de Molina Chardonnay Reserva, Casablanca Valley 2009 $15
4. Bodegas Faustino VII Rioja 2007 $12
5. Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent Château des Jacques 2009 $18
6. Viña San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Syrah 2007 $25

Bon Appétit,