It’s Thanksgiving here in the US, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday hustle and bustle, stressing over how to prepare the big bird and figuring out who should sit next to Uncle Albert. But let us not forget what we’re all truly thankful for -- wine of course.

There are three main questions to ponder about wine and Thanksgiving. Here they are along with some guidelines:

What wine do I serve with Thanksgiving dinner?

The real question here should be “what wines do I serve”. There are so many different dishes that get served at Thanksgiving, it would be impossible to recommend just one type of wine.

If you want to serve a single wine, go with Champagne. It pairs well with most appetizers, entrees and even desserts. It’s one of the most food-friendly wines there is.

Or try a Pinot Noir. This has to be the most popular wine to serve with your bird. Pinot Noir’s are soft enough that they won’t overpower the food and big enough that you’ll enjoy the taste.

Pinot Grigio goes nicely with roasted turkey. Savignon Blanc goes well with salads and squash soups. Zinfandels and Syrahs pair great with dark meats and cranberry sauces. Chardonnay works nicely with anything but dessert.

I’m not the one cooking (phew) and I want to bring a bottle of wine to the amazing people who are. What should I bring?

That’s easy: bring something you like! Don’t go out and buy a really expensive bottle of some French wine you can’t pronounce just to make you look cool. It won’t work - especially if the wine tastes awful.

If you don’t have a favorite in mind, take some time to research what is out there. Although a general rule of thumb is to spend at least $10, there are many great wines that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Use google.com as a staple in your decision making. Or, go to a wine store and pick their brains for the newest trends and recommendations. You can also email Lynne and she’ll be happy to help you!

Don’t be offended if your host or hostess doesn’t serve your wine right away. Some highly organized cooks (no one we know, of course) carefully pick the wines to serve well in advance of Thanksgiving Day. Your wine will be set aside to be enjoyed later.

What’s the best way to present a bottle of wine as a gift?

It is nearly always better to present a gift bottle of wine in something other than a brown paper bag. Tissue paper and ribbons help. For the artistically challenged – or those in a hurry -- there’s always the option of buying a decorative wine bag.

Another great option is to buy a wine carrying bag and put the wines in there to present to the host. It adds some flair and it’s another great gift they can use over and over. You can find these at a wine store or beverage warehouse. Voila. You’ve impressed your friends and they may even invite you back next year (assuming you behave the rest of the night!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and may you celebrate with friends, family and lots of great flowing wine!

Cheers!

Congratulations to Richard Knapp who was the first to correctly identify our Booze Clues from last issue as The Willamette Valley of Oregon. Enjoy the fruits of this region.

The Willamette Valley, Oregon's leading wine region, has two-thirds of the state's wineries and vineyards and is home to more than 200 wineries. It has been recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir producing areas in the world.

So naturally you’d expect us to feature a Pinot Noir. And we will; but first, during our wine tasting for this article, we found an amazing chardonnay from the Willamette Valley that has become one of our newest favorites!

Chehalem INOX Chardonnay, 2005
Inox is an abbreviation for the French word for stainless steel (inoxidable). This wine was made without any oak, malolactic fermentation (which reduces the acidity of a wine) or sugar.

The wine is pale yellow in color; and you’ll smell pear, apricot, apple and a little jasmine. You’ll taste grapefruit, lime, melon and a little vanilla. Try it with cheese samplers, oysters, grilled chicken or prosuitto wrapped asparagus.

You can generally find it in grocery stores or wine shops for somewhere between $16-$18.

To quote our friend Wendy, “I like it. I don’t know why I like it. But I like it.”

Benton-Lane Estate Pinot Noir, 2004
This wine is 100% pinot noir. The wine is deep ruby red in color; and you’ll smell cherries and mixed berries. You’ll taste mocha, rose petals, cola and black cherries. Try it with salmon, smoked sausages, or creamy cheeses.

You can generally find it in grocery stores or wine shops for about $20-$23

Booze Clues!
Win your very own Let’s Talk About Wine T-Shirt.

Follow the clues and guess where the December’s wine will hail from.

1. The first commercial winery was established here in 1835. Today there are more than 50 wineries.
2. This US state now ranks 10th nationally in grape production and 12th for wine production.
3. Commonly planted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc.
4. Plantings of native Muscadine grapes, often called Scuppernongs, are also on the rise due to demand for fresh grapes and Muscadine wines. Muscadines contain high levels of Resveratrol and other health-enhancing antioxidants. Scuppernong, the first grape cultivated in the US, is the official fruit of this state.
5. The most visited winery in the United States receiving more than one million visitors annually is located here.

The first person to email the correct answer to Booze Clues wins a fabulous Let’s Talk About Wine T- shirt. Contest starts now. Get your emails in.

 

I know the answer!

Just in time for your holiday shopping, the first edition of the Let's Talk About Wine, Baby! baseball shirt. You won't be able to get the 80's classic Salt n'Peppa song, Let's Talk About Sex, Baby! out of your head while wearing this shirt. Limited supply, order today. They are pre-shrunk 100% heavyweight cotton. Only $20 plus $3 S&H.

Last issue we asked about what you were drinking that was under $10

Suprise, suprise, there were some terrific suggestions:

Mimi Cunningham suggests Pepe Chardonnay & Bella Sera Pinot Grigio. Both available at Trader Joes. "Taste great and easy to drink with a screw top!" says Mimi.

Jean Grieve recommends Salmon Harbor Merlot. She first tasted this wine at Anthony's Home Port Chain in Puget Sound, but now finds it at most Safeways and Albertsons for about $6.

Michelle Barbera is drinking Mark West Pinot Noir for between $8 - $10 a bottle.

And finally Linda Koe enjoys Cristalino Brute for around $9, while fixing dinner or served as mimosas at her Sunday brunch. "It's an amusing little bubbly" says Koe.

Thanks everyone for sharing your tasty bargains.

For next month's What Are You Drinking?, we want to know "What Santa will be drinking" Christmas eve when he comes down your chiminey.

Feel free to pair your suggestions with a treat other then cookies to keep St. Nick moving.

Santa will be drinking...

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My random wine

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