Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Wine Picks for Thanksgiving Dinner

It's really not that difficult to choose a good wine pairing for the Thanksgiving dinner, since so many types of wine are great with turkey and the trimmings. Here are a few of my all time favorite wines that are truly wonderful pairings for Thanksgiving feasts!

Red Wines
  • Beaujolais Nouveau - this is the first wine of the harvest in the Beaujolais region in France, it comes to market each year on the 17th of November - just in time for Thanksgiving.
  • Pinot Noir - aromatic, light bodied and soft textured. A perfect counterpoint to the many flavors of the Thanksgiving table.
  • Zinfandel - hearty, full bodied and flavorful. Especially good with spicy foods.

White Wines

  • Sauvignon Blanc - I especially love those from New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc has a bright fruit acidity and a herbaceous character that complements the many spices in the stuffing and side dishes.
  • Riesling - From the Finger Lakes region of New York. This is a wine that will please even the most picky. The light floral aroma and its soft, fresh fruit flavors pair nicely with the range of seasonings the traditional Thanksgiving dinner offers. The hint of sweetness offered by most Rieslings gives this wine great appeal for many palates.

Rose Wines

  • Grenache -light, crisp, and flavorful, but won't overpower the meal. From California.
  • White Zinfandel -Slightly sweeter, light and fruity. Refreshing.

Sparkling Wines

A sparkling wine or champagne will please nearly anyone. The diverse flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner are completmented by a sparkling wine that is slightly sweet.

If you are on a tight budget, but want to serve wine at your Thanksgiving meal, try one of the boxed wines. They are low-priced, and some are exceptionally good quality for the price.




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