Thanksgiving Wine Suggestions
Holiday season is fast approaching, and for many it’s time to think about what wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s a few wines I’ve enjoyed lately that could be big hits with your holiday guests.
Any of the 2009 petit chateaux bordeaux I reviewed recently would be an economical and popular choice. In addition, I recently enjoyed a Chateau de Pitray 2009 Bordeaux from the Cotes de Castillon region. This wine has a big, delicious nose and lush, red fruit. The tannins are easy, with hints of earth, black licorice and some oak on the finish. This is a delicious wine and a great bargain for $14 at Calvert-Woodley in Washington.
Nick Stephens, author of the UK blog Bordeaux Undiscovered dropped a comment to my Bordeaux piece talking up the Cotes de Castillon. Based on the Castillon wines I’ve had, I think he’s right. This appellation is right next to the much better known St. Emilion and Pomerol, with similar soil and Merlot led blends.
In the interest of balance on the 2009s, I’ve had one that was a dud. The Chateau Clos Bourbon from Cadillac was overly sharp, tart and not enjoyable. As always, a great year is no guarantee of a good wine.
If you’re looking for an Italian wine with your turkey, here’s a Ripasso that could be a crowd pleaser. The 2009 La Giaretta Ripasso is light bodied, with nice cherry fruit and a bit of a raisin twinge. There is a bit of ash on the smooth finish. This is a very nice wine that should retail for $20 or less.
A top flight Pinot Noir for your table would be the 2008 VML Pinot Noir, Boudreaux Vineyards. VML was one of our favorite discoveries earlier this year during our trip to Sonoma, and this wine didn’t disappoint. It’s a big Pinot Noir in the newer California style that can stand up to any gravy. This Pinot has strong raspberry/blueberry fruit and a very nice feel on the palate. The wine was expensive at $45 from Total Wine in Alexandria, but will be a big hit with guests.
The final suggestion is also from Sonoma. While there we were impressed by the single vineyard wines from Ravenswood, the single vineyard stuff they don’t ship east. Ravenswood is known for its Zinfandels, and some of them could do well for Thanksgiving dinner. But I’d recommend their 2008 Pickberry blend.
The Pickberry is a delicious Meritage of mostly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s silky on the palate, with blueberry fruit, balanced tannins and a touch of smokiness on the finish. The wine is $50 off the Ravenswood site, but there is a nice discount if you join their quarterly wine club.
Any of these wines could have your guests doing a double take at the label this Thanksgiving. Let me know what you’ll be pouring, via comment or email.
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