Thanksgiving Wine Picks
Written By: Dylan York on Mon, Nov 19th 2007
For wine-lovers there is no better holiday than Thanksgiving. This is the moment we have all been waiting for. Large groups of people, together eating and drinking. This is the time of year we all justify opening the "good stuff." Whether you are a party of two or twelve, treat yourself to wines that will compliment the wide array of flavors that Thanksgiving has to offer. Since this is my last Thanksgiving in the states for two years, my girlfriend and I are preparing a six course meal paired with wine.
With the flavors of fall there are certain things that need to be present in your wine selections: freshness, good acidity, rich fruit structure, and no over whelming oak. Here are some interesting wines that I discovered, which all retail for around 20 - 40 dollars a bottle, that are great for Thanksgiving Dinner. Enjoy!
- 2004 Truchard Rousanne - This wine has the aroma of wildflowers and lemons with rich flavors of honeydew and nectarine on the palate. The finish is crisp and lingers with pear.
- 2006 Poet's Leap Riesling - One of the wines from the Longshadows Project, which selected winemakers from all over the globe to make their wine of choice in Washington State. This wine was crafted by famous German Riesling producer Armel Diel. It has a beautiful balance of pear, melon and honey with a crisp touch of sweetness.
- 2006 Breggo Gewurztraminer - This is a great wine for those who think Gewurztraminer is always too sweet. This wine is bright with aromas of grapefruit and lychee and has hints of lemon oil and white pepper on the palate. I loved the way this wine glides over your palate with its complexity. For a moment you get a touch of sweetness, but the finish is dry and crisp.
- 2004 Miller Grenache - The moment I tasted this wine I loved it. The nose has nuances of violets and wild strawberries. The palate is rich with dark cherry and kirsch. There is no overripe, heavily extracted fruit on this wine, it is feminine and complex.
- 2003 Dare Cabernet Franc - This wine comes from one of my favorite California wineries, Viader. I love Cabernet Franc and this wine exhibits all the things that can be enjoyed from the varietal. Red plums, raspberry and Bing cherry hit the palate with spicy hints of cardamom and a silky touch of new oak on the finish.
