The problem with Thanksgiving (if there could possibly be one) is that there are so many different dishes and styles of feasting that it’s impossible to find a wine that complements everything perfectly. The only thing to do is have a selection of wines for different foods and different tastes. They don’t have to be American wines—after all, we Americans, like wines, come from everywhere under the sun—but for this typically American feast, why not source wines “locally”? Here are five ideas.
1. Champagne goes with almost everything. American “champagne” is, of course, referred to as sparkling wine, and there are great examples from California—look for the words “traditional method” on the label to guarantee a wine made using the methods used in Champagne. Or, for a very budget-friendly sparkler, try Gruet, made in New Mexico, particularly the rosé.
2. A rich white such as Viognier will hold its own with the opulent flavors of Thanksgiving. Zaca Mesa in Santa Barbara makes a nice one, or Cline’s is a very respectable lower-priced option.
3. Pinot Noir is almost a no-brainer, because its naturally high acidity allows it to complement a wide range of foods. Generally speaking, if you like slightly fuller body and fruit, look to California; for a light to medium body and tart cherry flavors, go with the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
4. Zinfandel is the Thanksgiving classic, partly because the grape is so strongly associated with California. Go with Zin if you like a full-bodied, super-juicy-fruity, almost chocolatey wine—this will pair best with the richer foods on the table: think bacon…blue cheese…stuffing.
5. For dessert, try ice wine. The grapes for ice wine are picked and pressed after they freeze on the vine, resulting in a thick, sweet, high-acidity juice, since the grapes’ water content is bound up as ice. More affordable versions are made by late-harvesting the grapes and then freezing them. Try Cooper Mountain’s Pinot Blanc, from Oregon, or there are many ice wines produced in New York’s Finger Lakes region.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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