Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on, and be thankful for all of the good things we have. These past years have been tough, there is so much to be thankful for. But let’s be honest, on a holiday like this, you may find it extremely difficult to find the perfect wine to serve with your dinner. Between the turkey, all the side dishes, and trying to please all of your guests wine preferences. It is understandable, if this seems like an overwhelming task. To make your life easier, rather than trying to pair the wine with one dish, opt for bottles that complement a wide variety of foods. Some safe and food friendly options for this special dinner, are red wines like Pinot Noir and GMS. If you prefer white wine, opt for a Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin or Champagne. I’d like to share some of the wines I’ll be serving at my dinner.
2018 The Insider Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is one of the most versatile red wines to match with food. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Vinum Cellars has a deep garnet, crushed cranberry color which illustrates the depth of this cool climate Pinot Noir. Right out of the glass this wine is perfumed with elegant dark fruit from ripe bing cherry to black raspberry notes. The wine is subtly spiced with integrated cinnamon and clove spices and backed with mocha notes. On the palate the wine carries through consistently with the aromatics and displays the ripe and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit notes with balanced acidity and generous vanilla and toasted oak notes revealing silky tannins that linger. The wine finishes with in a Burgundian style referencing the earth tones of the Pommard clone 4 that makes this wine memorable. The Insider is an excellent and versatility choice for your Thanksgiving feast. Not only will it compliment your turkey, but also the handful of sides that will cover the rest of your plate.
2019 Austin Hope GSM
This robust GSM from Austin Hope is a show stopper at every level. On the nose, mulled spices and dark fruit set the stage for the bold flavors on the pallet. The rich thick dark fruit backbone is met with layers of tobacco, black pepper spice and earthy tones. The incredible body of this wine is enriched with firm balanced tannins that linger.
2021 Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc
The grapes for this wine are from certified-organic Woolshed vineyard on Loveblock Farm, in the Lower Dashwood sub-region of Marborough’s Awatere Valley. The stellar 2021 growing season delivered ideal flowering conditions, followed by a warm, dry summer, meaning that the grapes were picked in perfect condition. Pale straw with a hint of green and gold. Complex and elegant Sauvignon Blanc bouquet, with citrus blossom and wild flowers, surrounded by crushed ripe herbs and pineapple. Dense fruit core of juicy melon and peach complemented by hints of ripe herbs and florals. Beautifully rounded with layer upon layer of texture, this wine has a long, complex finish with plenty of minerality, citrus, ripe stone fruit and an umami quality.
2021 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg
This pale cuvée dazzles a silvery hue in the sunlight as you swirl it in the glass. The aromas are classic Chenin, with Verbena and citrus, clover honey and Casaba melon. The crisp palate is juicy with honeysuckle and Rainer cherry flavors underscoring the integrated acidity with a generous fruit driven center. The finish is layered with mineral, wet stone, lemon zest and Key Lime with pear grit and sweet passionfruit essence while finishing bone dry.
Veuve Cliquot Champagne
Champagne is a great gastronomical wine and it pairs well throughout a meal. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers a perfect balance of structure and finesse. It is so pleasing to the nose, initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later of brioche. The fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty aromas, the result of the three years of bottle aging.
Rosa Chalekian 