Thanksgiving is a very social holiday and one that brings people and family together. What better way to enjoy this affable meal than with a nice glass of wine. If you are still thinking about what wines to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some suggestions that will make your meal more enjoyable.
If you are looking to begin Thanksgiving feast with a sparkling wine, Chandon Brut Classic is ideal. This sparkling wine created in the Methode Traditionelle is very bright, crisp, and refreshing. One will find flavors of citrus and apples with hints of almond on the finish. There is a softer quality on the palate that makes this sparkling wine very appealing for a Thanksgiving dinner. It will not overwhelm the cuisine but rather give a subtle zing to your meal.
Another sparkler is the Torresella Prosecco Extra Dry, a light and bright Veneto styled Prosecco that is very subtle in its delivery. One finds flavors of apricots and almonds.
If white wine is your preference for your Thanksgiving dinner, the 2015 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc is a good choice. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Macabeo, and Vermentino, the wine has unique flavors that add some savory spice to a turkey dish. Higher in acidity and a more viscous wine, the flavors of citrus, herbs, lime, and honeydew are quite apparent. This wine has a lot of sapidity.
The Alto Adige region of Italy is primarily known for its whites but Peter Zimmer has c
reated a Pinot Noir that will be a nice complement to your turkey dinner. Although a young vintage, 2015, if you give it some time to air, this wine will open to deliver flavors of cranberry. This is a light-bodied Pinot Noir. The wine exudes savory tart qualities that are a nice pairing for turkey and its rich accompaniments.
Ferraton Pére & Fils 2014 Samorëns Côtes du Rhône Rouge comes from the Northern Rhone and is a perfect match for turkey. This small parcel estate wine displays flavors of cranberries. It is a light to medium-bodied GSM that combines Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. The wine is earthy, ending with a savory tart finish.
Looking for something with a little more acidity, the Nanny Goat 2014 Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region of New Zealand will pair nicely with turkey due to its predominant cranberry flavors.
If it is something heavier you are looking for, the 2015 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge fills the bill. This Rhone blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan delivers the best of the Côtes de Roussillon, a part of the Languedoc region of France. One finds aromas of currants, raisins, black cherry, mocha and violets and flavors of dark fruits, raisins, pepper, and mocha. This wine definitely needs some time to air before serving due to the vintage.
Finally, if you want something even more full-bodied, especially if your Thanksgiving feast does not necessarily involve turkey but rather a more supple meat, the 2014 Corona de Aragon Old Vine, a Garnache from the Cariñena D.O.P. is ideal. This is a dryer, more sour wine with flavors of raspberry and cranberry. This is an earthy wine with balsamic aromas.
Any of these wines will enhance your Thanksgiving cuisine. The Written Palette wishes a Happy Thanksgiving.