Five Fantastic Thanksgiving Wines

What to drink with that delectable bird? And yes, it can actually be juicy and delicious, not just a dry and bland holiday tradition, but more on that tomorrow. Back to the task at hand- picking that perfect wine to serve with your bird. If you’re anything like me- procrastinator extraordinaire- you haven’t done your wine shopping yet, so here are your best bets. If you can’t locate these producers, ask your trusty wine shop merchant for some suggestions in these regions.

1. Cru Beaujolais. Yes, I said it. Beaujolais. I know it gets a bad rap, but it’s mostly due to the hyped up marketing blitz around the (usually) mediocre Beaujolais Nouveau. If you go for a Cru, you’re going for the good stuff. My suggestion is the Chateau du Chatelard Moulin a Vent. Made with the Gamay grape, this wine is chock full of ripe berries and red fruit, grounded by its earthiness and set off with a bit of that bubble gum flavor. It’s light to medium-bodied, a great match for your meal.
Château du Chatelard Moulin-a-Vent, $19

2. Pinot Noir loves a bird. I’m reaching for my Central California Sea Smoke Southing again this year. We served it with last year’s feast and was a huge hit with everyone at the table, even those that aren’t big winos. This beautiful wine is velvety with a pinch of black pepper and smoke, smacks of black cherry and feels like a fall day. Perfect right? Expensive, but if you want to splurge you won’t be sorry.
Sea Smoke Southing ’09, $79

3. Call me boring, call me predictable- anyone who reads this blog knows I have to Go Gigondas or Go Home. It’s really my all-time fave. The less expensive cousin to Chateaneuf du Pape, a good Gigondas is truly sunshine in a glass- thank you Mr. Hemingway. If I had my druthers, I would have a bottomless barrel of Celine Chauvet’s Domaine du Grapillon d’Or in my basement (if I had one). She makes a pretty and feminine yet earthy and rounded bottle of wine. Violets and roses temper the rustic earthiness of this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Love this wine, can never get enough. Great with your bird, guaranteed.
Domaine du Grapillon d’Or ’10 Gigondas, $28

4. Prosecco. I confess, I’m not usually a huge Prosecco fan. I’ll reach for a Cremant any day over the Italian sparkler, but this one is special. Aged on its lees, the Ca’ dei Zago has that biscuity, briochey richness matched with an unexpected saltiness that gives it a creamy and savory finish. So yummy and a great choice with your holiday meal.
Ca’ dei Zago Non-Vintage Prosecco, $20

5. Rosso di Montalcino. Another personal fave, I’m pretty much always a fan of the Sangiovese grape from its mother land. I love Montalcino and its wines so much that we went there on our honeymoon. The Rosso is a cheaper version of its big brother, Brunello and who doesn’t always want a Brunello? Anyone? Bueller? With a good producer, you can get some great bang for your buck here. I recommend the Campogiovanni ’10- a classic dirt and cherries profile that pairs nicely with a big holiday meal especially since this one sings with food-friendly acidity.
Campogiovanni ’10 Rosso di Montalcino, $18

Enjoy and Cin Cin!

Photo: FoodandWine.com

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