Thanksgiving Wine Selection
Posted on Nov 24, 2008
Everyone is looking for the perfect wine to complement their Thanksgiving celebration meal. Most people immediately assume white wine is the way to go, but turkey can pair well with red wine too, depending on its preparation. Turkey is certainly not the only dish to take into account though. Cranberry sauce, creamy vegetables, green salads and brussels sprouts add a bit of complexity to the table. I like to offer both a red and white wine to my guests. This covers individual preferences as well as a simple pairing for all dishes.
Get the appetite going pre-dinner with a glass of La Cantina Pizzolato Prosecco. This extra dry spumante is the perfect way to prepare your stomach for the feast to come.
For a traditionally prepared bird, I like the Castellari Bergaglio Rovereto Gavi di Gavi. This wine offers hints of chamomile that will mingle well with the fall flavors. It has a lightly buttery nose, but fantastic and refreshing acidity that will cleanse the palate between creamy and rich dishes. The other way to go on this table is Barbi Arche Orvieto. This wine is creamy due to 40% Chardonnay, 45 days in oak and partial malolactic fermentation, but it maintains the classic Italian white wine acidity with Grechetto and Procanico (Trebbiano) grapes. This is a great choice for Chardonnay lovers.
If your Thanksgiving table includes a fair amount of rosemary, I am partial to Seiterre Dolcetto d'Ovada. This is a versatile food wine that offers subtle notes of rosemary and evergreen and a light salty brine aspect. A soft and full wine that shines when paired with food.
Vinchio Vaglio Serra "I Tre Vescovi" Barbera d'Asti is a stand-out wine at a great price. Barberas are classic food wines because they are complex, yet usually lighter style reds with great cleansing acidity. This wine is versatile, smooth and soft. The red berries and dried fruits on the palate will complement the cranberry sauce and a crisp roast turkey with herbs. This wine is also a fantastic match for duck.
Finish the meal with a glass of Vinchio Vaglio Serra "Valamaca" Moscato d'Asti. Honey and peach on the palate, light bubbles and just sweet enough to pair with dessert or have as a dessert on its own.
Buon Appetito!