Turkey Wines
Admittedly Thanksgiving is all about the side-dishes for me. The turkey plays only a very minor role on my plate, usually found buried underneath some cranberry relish or mashed sweet potatoes. I don’t think that anyone who knows me would argue that I will take squash casserole over turkey anyday of the week.
I would have to say that second to side-dishes on my Thanksgiving scale is wine. While this time of year many wine writers delve into finding ideal pairings, I simply say drink what you like. Thanksgiving is such a diverse plate of sweet, savory, buttery, rich, and spicey (think sage, cinnamon and nutmeg) flavors that perfect wine is elusive to say the least. That being said, I do have a few favs that I go to year after year and a few new wines that I’m looking forward to this November 25, o’ holiest of holiest foodie days.
Secreto Viognier (Chile): Floral and fruity with peach, mango and pear flavors combined with low acidity and no oak make this wine a great T-Day pick
South Island Riesling (New Zealand): Off-dry with crisp lemon and lime flavors make this a crowd pleaser. Sweet enough for sweet wine fans, but not too sweet as to put of most dry wine fans.
Carlson Gewurztraminer (Colorado): The heady, captivating aroma notes are lime candy, spice and rose. The taste is tropical fruit, honey, and oriental spice. Wonderful with the chaos of a T-Day plate.
Pomona Winds Syrah (California): Light for a Syarh with cranberry, black tea, red berries and black pepper flavors. The hint of cinnamon at the end sealed the deal for this wine to be a part of my Thanksgiving.
Three Alarm Zinfandel (California): Packed with intense, plummy, jammy flavor. Velvety smooth finish with a hint of black pepper.
Italia Prosecco (Italy): It’s always fun to have something sparkly at the holidays. Too often, Sparking wine gets relegated to just New Year’s toasts when in fact, it is great with food. This Prosecco is delicate and well-balanced with a combination of baked apple, lemon curd and grapefruit, with a lightly creamy mint mineral texture in the mouth. Serve with the meal or with dessert.
Well, that was more wines than I had planned on listing, but I had a hard time narrowing them down. My point being, that no matter if you’re all about the turkey, side-dishes, or the desserts, there’s a wine or two for you.
Happy Thanksgiving from Brennan’s!
