Wine Pairing Wine for Thanksgiving
Pairing wine with all the typical aromas, textures and flavors served for the Thanksgiving holiday may seem like a job for an expert sommelier. However, do not despair, you will not require a special degree in culinary arts for finding the best matches. All it will take is a little bit of knowledge and a touch of personal preference. The ultimate secret relies in choosing some of the most versatile wines so you cannot go wrong in making the right combinations that will leave your guests pleasantly impressed.
The Best Wines to Pair for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday offering a medley of different flavors and textures enough to make the taste buds go into a frenzy. You have the moist, flavorful meat of turkey, the tart taste of cranberry, the sweetness of candied yams to name a few. The biggest challenge is finding a wine that pairs with this vast plethora of flavors. Combining wines to each different food is quite out of question unless you are willing to purchase a whole dozen of bottles. It is much easier to just play it safe and stick with a few versatile wines.
• Champagne and Sparkling Wines
Add a sophisticated touch to your Thanksgiving dinner by serving Champagne and sparkling wines. Unsure on which ones to choose? Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs will make an elegant addition with its dark cherry, currant and strawberry aromas. Argyle Winery2006 Brut offers flavors of sweet honeysuckle, casaba and fragrant vanilla.
• Pinot Noir
In all its glory, Pinot Noir makes quite a versatile wine that can be served with a wide range of foods. You can find some excellent Pinot Noirs at your local supermarket, or if you are into something more specific, you can visit a wine store and ask for a particular recommendation. Look for a fruity flavor with earthy undertones. Try to chill a bottle of Pinot Noir to 52 degrees and serve as a before dinner aperitif to warm up your guests.
• Riesling
This white wine is a top pick for Thanksgiving, since it is quite versatile, matching a plethora of flavors varying from bitter to sweet and all the middle-tones in between. The flowery, aroma along with its intense acidity, makes it one of the most appreciated white wines out there.
• Zinfandel
Serving this Californian wine makes quite sense when celebrating an all American holiday like Thanksgiving. However, you must be careful in selecting the right type of bottle or you may end up with a harsh, overly alcoholic, sweet drink. Ask a wine store clerk for advice if you are unsure. The heartier versions, with full bodied flavors generally make a good match with spice, bitter and sweet foods.
Other optimal choices for white wine aficionados are Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Viognie, whereas red wine fans may enjoy uncorking bottles of Syrah, Beaujolais Nouveau or an Ruffino il Ducale. Like Rose'? Go with a Chateau Guiot or an Domaine De la Mordoree.
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