Château Guiraud Sauternes
Thanksgiving this year at my house is going to be AMAZING. I plan on keeping everyone toasty warm and slightly tipsy. I have a few favorite wines that I plan to share, to spread some much-needed cheer.
Here are some yummy wine ideas which will liven up your Thanksgiving:
Start off the pre-meal with some refreshing Prosecco. This year, I've chosen Bivio Prosecco — it has plenty of nice, tiny bubbles and a well-balanced acidity. It's a great way to get the food-and-wine ball rolling, for the day.
Next, I chose two white wines and two red wines for the actual meal. All of these wines are perfect companions for your turkey, ham, and all the trimmings.
First, I'll start with a Meyer-Fonné Riesling. I happen to LOVE Riesling. Meyer-Fonné is always a solid choice. I noticed that the Meyer-Fonné Riesling pictured above is already sold out, so I've got another solid choice for you to try — 2013 Meyer-Fonné Grand Cru "Schoenenbourg" Riesling. This is a dry Riesling, which is unbelievably intense — its flavors of honeysuckle and peach, pair wonderfully with food.
Then, we come to the Heidi Schröck Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc. This wine was suggested by my friend Lucre over at Robber Barron, in San Francisco. Its charming flavors of juicy fruit, expertly mesh with earthy minerals, which makes it a perfect match for all of the turkey that's about to go down. Plus, it's made by a kick-ass lady winemaker!
Next, I really like pairing Foxen's 2013 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir with poultry. Foxen makes an excellent Pinot Noir, that among other things, will perfectly compliment your smoked meats. So, if you're planning on smoking your bird, drink this! I love the complexity of this wine — its smoky tobacco flavors swirl around your nose, with delicious, floral, red berries — I want some right now!
For the last red to pair with dinner, Lucre chose a 2009 Sesti Brunello Di Montalcino. This is a wine made from Sangiovese grapes, with a spicy, aromatic nose. It has a gentle fruit body with a great, distinctive earthiness, and it pairs well with rustic foods. This is a beautiful wine, for a beautiful meal with friends and family.
Now, it's time for a little something to serve with dessert! I've been on a Sauternes kick lately. I really enjoy a little something after dinner to top off a great meal. Sauternes are a perfectly sweet and lusciously-textured wine to serve with blue cheese, nuts, dried fruit, or PUMPKIN PIE after dinner. I love the 2011 Chateâu Guiraud Sauternes — this wine has a magical, velvety mouthfeel, with flavors of slightly spicy orange, juicy pears, and fresh almonds. You and your guests will love it!
I hope you enjoy these food and wine pairings! My best advice this Thanksgiving — include lots of wine and plenty of great food, made with love — and please steer clear of any political discussions! Bon appétit!