What Wine Goes With Thanksgiving?

Chardonnay has a lot of good company these days when it comes to finding a wine that pairs with your Thanksgiving Day meal.  It’s not so much about what wine goes with turkey but more about what wine goes with the wide variety of sides.

Here are some of my choices to get you started as you peruse those crowded wine isles….and I would suggest calling stores ahead of time if you’re set on a specific wine.

Beaujolais!  This light, bright red wine is always popular this time of year.  Beaujolais Nouveau was just released – the first Beaujolais of the new vintage.   About $9. You might start with a celebratory glass.  Georges DuBoeuf is the ‘king’ of Beaujolais wines and easy to find at most HEB’s.  Be adventurous and try some of the Cru Beaujolais.  They’re a bit more complex.

Pinot Noirs are always a great Thanksgiving wine because they pair beautifully with a variety of foods – perfect for your smorgasbord of holiday choices.

Sonoma Cutrer makes a lovely pinot noir at about $25 that you can get at some HEB’s.

Also, Gary Farrell makes a nice pinot from the famed Russian River Valley.  This one is about $32.   Spec’s carries this as do some HEB’s.

Angeline Pinot Noir is an incredible bargain at about $10 a bottle. Light, with great cherry notes it pairs with many different dishes.  This may only be available at HEB.

As for the whites –

Why not some bubbles!  Sparklings pair with a variety of foods and add such a festive mood to any event.  Some wonderful choices –

Codorniu Brut Cava – a Spanish sparkler from one of the oldest wine producers in Spain.  A bargain at about $12 – HEB

Tattinger Brut – always lovely at about $35…HEB

Chateau Cabannieux – a crisp, dry white wine from Bordeaux…a Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend.  I discovered this wine from HEB Sommelier Matt Wheeler who has some other great suggestions too….  About $15 at HEB Bunker Hill

Stave & Hoop Lot 55 Chardonnay – crisp, light fruit – just right for pairing with the big meal…About $15 at HEB

Some other ideas –

Viogniers – Fuller bodied with floral and fruity aromas but dry on the palate, so it pairs perfectly with a variety of foods.  Texas is making some wonderful Viogniers…look for Becker Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards and McPherson Cellars to name a few. (HEB & Specs)

Anne Amie Cuvée A Müller Thurgau – Lots of fruit and florals on the nose but a refreshingly dry wine from  Oregon.  If you can find this one, it’s very inexpensive at about $14 and would pair nicely with the big meal.  (Spec’s)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!  Don’t  hesitate to email me at goodtaste@tanjipatton.com if you have any questions.  I would suggest calling the stores ahead to be sure they have the particular wine you’re looking for.