Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

By Ashley Hymore

As the holidays draw nearer and nearer, I become more and more excited about two things: the glow of a Christmas tree in my little New York City apartment, and planning and cooking the meals of the holiday season with my brother, Khalil. Of course since he is the true chef of the family, he takes the lead roll in the kitchen, while I plan the cocktails and wine.

It can become quite a challenge to find one wine that goes perfectly with everything offered at a holiday feast. The problem is there are so many different flavors on the table. The turkey alone has white and dark meat, then there's the salty gravy, sweet potatoes that may or may not be topped with marshmallows, savory stuffing, and cranberry sauce. I think since we don't limit ourselves with the food, why should we with the wine?

Here I have selected some wines I feel will complement any holiday meal, but will also fit into any budget.

WHITE

Sauvignon Blanc-Honig, 2007, Napa Valley, California | $14
I love the dried citrus and grapefruit zest notes in this wine. It's what a Sauvignon Blanc is supposed to be, but still layered and complex. Plus, Honig has a woman wine maker!

Riesling-Loosen Dr. "L", 2007, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany | $12
This slightly sweet, but crisp wine offers soft flavors of white peach and apricot. This old world style Riesling can stand up to most holiday fare.

Chenin Blanc-Viognier-Pine Ridge, 2007, California | $16
This is just a pretty wine that invokes fresh flowers and ripe melon. There is the perfect amount of acidity with the body to back it up. Very well balanced.

Gewürztraminer-Columbia Winery, 2007, Columbia Valley, Washington State | $9
This wine is full of grapefruit, nectarine, and pineapple. The spice in this Gewürztraminer will certainly compliment the spice on the dinner table.

Chardonnay-Bouchaine, 2006, Carneros, California | $17
Anyone looking for more than oak in a Chardonnay will love this wine. It is dry and crisp with nice minerality. Bright citrus flavors, honeysuckle, and just a slight amount of vanilla from the oak round it out beautifully.

RED

Pinot Noir-Louis Jadot Bourgogne, 2006, Burgundy, France | $17
This wine is ripe with soft red fruit, like fresh raspberries and strawberries, but complex with a little bit of earthy undertones. I would never get tired of drinking this wine.

Rioja-Campo Viejo Gran Reserva, 2001, Rioja, Spain | $19
Aromatic red and black fruit jump out at you from this wine. Fresh dark cherries and plum compliment the mild spice and soft tannins from this Rioja.

Merlot-Wild Horse, 2006, Paso Robles, California | $20
Cooked plum and red currant are vibrant in this lush, juicy wine. The spice and coffee notes nicely balance out the fruit. This is a full-bodied Merlot, but won't over power some of the more delicate food.

Crozes Hermitage-Paul Jaboulet Aîné "Les Jalets", 2005, Rhône Valley, France | $16
This medium-bodied wine offers up lots of peppery spice in addition with some cooked-fruit notes. This Crozes Hermitage will play nicely with the sweetness in a lot of holiday dishes.

Zinfandel-Ridge "Three Valleys", 2006, Sonoma County, California | $22
This wine is very focused on dark fruit flavors, but has an earthy quality that helps balance out the spice from the tannins. The perfect structure and rich fruit give this Zinfandel great appeal, and will be a huge hit at the holiday dinner table.

DESSERT

Moscato d'Asti-Fratelli, 2007, Piedmont, Italy | $14
Elderflower and peach nectar are what this sparkling wine is all about. The delicate Moscato d'Asti won't overpower any desserts, and it is relatively low in alcohol, which might be a good thing at the end of your meal!