Thanksgiving Wines

With Thanksgiving around the corner, there's no better time to start planning your dinner menu. But which wines to go with the variety of tastes on hand? Should you choose one for all courses or several to accent different components from appetizers to desserts? It's up to you, but here are some ideas to get you going.

Best White Wine Options

Sauvignon Blanc - A crisp, clean white known for its earthy flavors - perfect for turkey and herb filled stuffing. We recommend - 2003 Bordeaux Blanc, Chateau de Launay

Viognier - Which has a low level of acidity highlighted by light floral flavors often of peaches and pears. We recommend - 2002 Tablas Creek, Cotes de Tablas Blanc

Riesling - Can be bone dry or have some sweetness, pairs well with dishes with a touch of spice. We recommend - 2006 Butterfly by Zilliken

Gewurztraminer - Another white that can be dry or sweet. This wine has a zest that goes excellent with side dishes that have kick, but can also compliment a variety of desserts. We recommend - 2005 Storrs

Best Red Wine Options

Pinot Noir - A traditional favorite for Thanksgiving that will go well with just about any flavor. We recommend -2003 Brancott Vineyards, Marlborough, New Zealand

Zinfandel- Fuller than Pinot Noir, but still balances many traditional side dishes. A heartier wine with more intensity to the flavors. We recommend - 2002 Brassfield from Clear Lake, California

Syrah/Shiraz - Another kick up in intensity and flavor, yet nicely handles the many flavors in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Peppery notes accent stuffing as well as white and dark turkey meats. We recommend - 2004 Earthquake Petite Sirah

2007 Beaujolais Nouveau - a highly anticipated lightweight, fruity red wine with soft tannins that goes beautifully with turkey and all of the fixings. This wine is released from France on the on November 15th every year, to celebrate the end of the harvest, and just in time to highlight your Thanksgiving feast! 

Another idea if you are looking for a single wine to serve this Thanksgiving is a sparkling or a rosé wine. A good sparkling may be one that is "extra dry", which will have a touch of fruit flavor more than a brut. As for rosé wines, a dry wine will be more versatile for the feast.

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5 wines paired with 5 cheeses

This Month: Old World and New World Meritage Wines (Bordeaux Blends)

When: Sunday, November 25th, 3-5 pm

Where: Tip-Ups Tavern - 3 doors down from Who Cut The Cheese

 2007 Tasting Calendar -Last Sunday of Every Month

December 30th- New Year's Preview - Champagnes & Sparklers

What are Meritage Wines?

Meritage is a word used to distinguish wines that are made in the style of Bordeaux but without infringing on that region's legally protected appellation. Winemakers must license the right to use the trademark "Meritage" for their wines from The Meritage Association.

A red Meritage must be made from at least two Bordeaux varietals - principally Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec - and no single varietal may comprise more than 90% of the blend. White Meritage is a blend of at least two of the grapes Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Vert.