I’m sure most of you have already purchased your Thanksgiving wine.
Yes, this post is late, time has gotten away from me. But I’m sure there are a few of you who have waited until the last minute to figure out what wine you are going to serve with the bird or bring to the party.
But since most folks are running around crazy today preparing, who knows if anyone will even have time to read this! Oh well, I tried.
We have already discussed Riesling, Syrah/Shiraz and Zinfandel in the continuing saga to find wine suitable for the Thanksgiving meal; wines both good and affordable.
So why Sauvignon Blanc?
There are few white wines that have both fruit and the acidity to pair well with the Thanksgiving meal, Sauvignon Blanc is one of them. It’s a crisp, white wine known for its herbaceous flavors and earthy nuances. It’s perfect with herb-filled stuffing or an herb-roasted turkey.
When I drink Sauvignon Blanc, I have two favorites which are consistently good.
2007 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand $13-15
Nice fruit and floral notes; pears, crab apples and lychee. Crisp and light with citrus and stoney earth on the finish. An overall great example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Awarded 91 Points by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
2007 Navarro Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, California $18
Ripe melon, fig and lime are most apparent here with hints of other tropical fruit. This wine is very fruit driven and very enjoyable. A winner in my book. Unfortunately you will only be able to get this from the winery….maybe for the Christmas turkey?
Of course there were other varietals I wanted to recommend for Thanksgiving but just didn’t get a chance. Other choices would have included Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Beaujolais Nouveau. If you are still at a total loss, serve a Sparkling wine from start to finish, it will carry the whole meal.
Pumpkin & Pecan Pie Pairings
For those of you who didn’t get enough wine with dinner (or even if you did) and want to round out your meal with some dessert wine, I would recommend a Pedro Ximenez or Cream Sherry. These will pair nicely with both pumpkin and pecan offerings. Late Harvest Riesling or a Tawny Port will also make stunning accompaniments to these dessert choices as well.
Since I am currently in Oregon, I will dropping by my favorite Willamette Valley wineries to pick up my Turkey Day wine. For me this will include Riesling, Pinot Noir and Late Harvest Riesling for dessert.
I would love to know what wine you are serving.
