Thanksgiving Wine Suggestions
This snowy cold snap definitely bit into our business last weekend. A few stalwarts came by to keep us company with Di and Cheryl, who thought some of their friends from town might stop by to see their show, but hey, nobody was going much of anywhere in the snow, ice, and wind.
That’s too bad, because we departed a bit from the wine list we posted last week to include some new arrivals aimed at making good wine pairings with the traditional Thanksgiving feast. It is also too bad because a lot of you did not get by to pick up your truffles, which are here and ready for pickup. DON’T FORGET!
That’s why we will be open from 11-2 on Thanksgiving Day with a complimentary taste of something bubbly– so you can pick up your Truffles and maybe a few of our recommended holiday dinner wines to wow your guests (or hosts!) and make all those wonderful dishes taste even better!
Choosing wines for a smorgasbordy feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas is tricky because of all the traditional rich fare that gets piled up on the same plate with the turkey. While almost any wines will do , some will work better than others; the key is a nice fruitiness with bright acidity.
Bubbly is always a good choice because of its light flavors, festive bubbles, and crisp acidity. So start the meal with appetizers and a glass of Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava, or your favorite champagne .
For a dinner wine, a dry or slightly off-dry riesling is tough to top. They are usually fragrant and fruity, with good acidity that pairs well with almost everything. For the same reasons, alternatives would include an Austrian gruner veltliner or an Italian vermentino.
Reds are trickier, but can work with all the fat and butter in so many typical dishes if you stay with fruity and crisp. Choices might include a fruity California pinot noir, an Italian barbera, or perhaps a sangiovese, which is the predominant grape in a number of Italian blends. Big tannic reds like cabs or deep dark syrahs go better with red meats and seem a bit overpowering with turkey to my taste. Not, of course, that there’s anything wrong with that…!
Below are specific recommendations we have on the shelf. Bon appétit! And yes we will be open Saturday as usual!
Segura Viudes Cava Spain $9
Classic Spanish bubbly: festive, tasty, crisp, and cheap! How can you go wrong?
SA Prum Essence Riesling 06 Germany $10
Pale gold color, aromatic with scents of apricot and peach and flavors of fresh fruit perfectly balanced by a racy acidity and mineral character that is perfect for turkey and trimmings.
Hahn pinot noir 08 California $11
Softly fruity California pinot, with classic notes of strawberry and peach, good acid balance, and an unbelievable price. Like the riesling, this should pair well with just about everything on the table.
La Serena Rosso di Montalcino 06 Italy $15
Deep, intense ruby red colour. Ethereal, deep, balanced nose with a rich scent of fruit; Full bodied, mouth-filling, and round on the palate. I only got one case of this, and am seriously thinking about hording a few for myself!
Barbolini Lancillotto Dry Lambrusco (Italy) $16
Handmade since 1889–briny, not sweet, with a lush body, ripe fruit/berry aromas, and delicate bubbles; especially good match with cranberry sauce!
Fair Winds “Port O’Call” dessert wine Washington $20
Definitely port-like in character, this lightly fortified dessert wine from Port Townsend has a seductive warmth and aromatic richness; perfect with dessert or sip by the fire!
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2072 Granger Way