Thanksgiving is, without question, my favorite holiday. Food, wine and football? What more could a vintage girl ask for?! But more than those things, it’s a day we stop to remember and share our blessings. And I am grateful my life is full of them. I have an amazing husband who loves and accepts me just the way I am. I have friends that take good care of me, even when I resist. I have parents that continuously inspire me and have always supported me unconditionally. I have three amazing, hilarious, supportive (albeit dysfunctional) siblings I wouldn’t trade for anything. I have an extended family I am honored to be a part of. I have a beautiful home. I have a stable job in a field I’mpassionate about that challenges me and brings me tremendous joy. And I live in a fantastic country, where I’m free to talk and write about anything I please, in spite of my sass and questionable language. Life is good.
Now, as the culinary part of the holiday goes, of course I’m ecstatic. And this is arguably the biggest, baddest, best day of the year for folks like me. There are so many awesome food and wine pairing opportunities! The trick here is not to play only to the turkey. We also have to consider the stuffing, the green bean casserole, the yams, the mashed potatoes. Then there are the audibles: Some families serve ham; my dad always made a pan of lasagna. Each family has its own traditions. And, in some families, we basically have to set out to please the masses, so in many cases a good Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay is perfect. But generally I’m most enthusiastic about off dry-whites and light to medium bodied reds. Riesling and Pinot Noir really reign supreme; but there are many interesting choices.
So, without further ado, here’s some recommendations for your Thanksgiving table:
- Fritz Riesling Pfalz ($12)
- Donnhoff Oberhauser Liestenberg Riesling Kabinett ($32)
- Botani Muscatel, Malaga ($18)
- Ransom Temperance Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Oregon ($20)
- Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer, Alsace ($25)
- Elk Cove Pinot Blanc, Oregon ($16)
- Peter Lehman Layers White ($16)
- Tangent Ecclestone, Central Cost ($15)
- Patz & Hall Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($30)
- Chateau Trinquevedel Rosé, Tavel ($22)
- Chidaine Vouvray ($25)
- Avanthia Godello, Valdeorras ($30)
- Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($45)
- St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone ($15)
- Maysara 3 degrees, McMinnville ($18)
- Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, Martinborough New Zealand ($40)
- Jean-Paul Thevenet Morgon, Beaujolais ($20)
- Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas ($30)
- Alto Moncayo Veraton Garnacha, Campo de Borja ($26)
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!