Great news – good wines for your Thanksgiving meal don’t cost a lot of money!
All you need is a wine that’s got a lot of fruit and good acidity – one that will compliment the many flavors in your feast not overpower them.
Here are some of my choices to get you started as you peruse those crowded wine isles. I would suggest calling stores ahead of time if you’re set on a specific wine. Or, even easier…buy the wines online at H-E-B’s new website and simply pick them up when you go to the store.
My Suggestions…
Beaujolais! This light, bright red wine is always popular this time of year. You might start with a celebratory glass. Georges DuBoeuf , who I had the pleasure of interviewing this summer, is the ‘king’ of Beaujolais wines. You’ll see them at most H-E-B’s. Be adventurous and try some of the Cru Beaujolais like the Brouilly. They’re a bit more complex, are very inexpensive and very food friendly.
Pinot Noirs are always a great Thanksgiving wine because they pair beautifully with a variety of foods – perfect for your smorgasbord of holiday choices.
This year I’m choosing Meiomi Pinot Noir. At about $19 a bottle, this California Central Coast wine is a winner. It’s made by the Belle Glos (Clark and Telephone) folks known for their attractive and delish pinot that sells for about $40 and has the thick, long, red wax bottle neck.
As for the whites –
Why not some bubbles! Sparklings pair with a variety of foods and add such a festive mood to any event.
Anna Codorniu Brut Cava – a Spanish sparkler from one of the oldest wine producers in Spain. A bargain at about $15 – H-E-B
Some other ideas –
Chardonnay – Kunde Chardonnay from Sonoma County is always a crowd pleaser and will pair just fine with a Thanksgiving meal. It’s about $14.
Simi Chardonnay from Sonoma is another good choice at about the same price point.
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.
Off the Beaten Path…
Anne Amie Cuvée A Müller Thurgau – Lots of fruit and florals on the nose but a refreshingly dry wine from Oregon. Plenty of acidity so it pairs with a variety of foods. 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.
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