Let’s give thanks

By The weekly winer 22 November 2007 08:04:00

The holiday season is upon us once again.  The time of year where most people are frantically scrambling every which way in order to provide the best possible holiday atmosphere for their families.  Every year it never fails with the mad rush to catch the best turkey, out do your neighbors with the Christmas lights, find the best hiding place for all the presents, oh, and who forgot the yams?  ‘Tis really the season for headaches if you are the one doing all the planning.  This year allow me to assist a helping hand in all your wine worries for the upcoming holiday, in an attempt to shave a few extra minutes that you could better use amidst the chaos. 

Whites

In choosing a wine that will pair well with your holiday feast, rest assured that it's virtually impossible to make a bad decision. 

It's basically a matter of what type you prefer, dry whites, reds, sweet or sparkly, because they all have a place on the table.  As we all know, Chardonnays are a perfect match for white meats, and that's exactly what Turkeys are, big birds with plenty of white meat.  The good thing about Chardonnay is that it comes in a wide range in terms of price, from five to five hundred dollars a bottle, suiting any budget. New world wines such as Sauvignon Blanc will go with just about any side dishes, from salads to stuffing. 

Reds

If reds are a preference at your table, try a more robust wine with little tannin so that it won't overshadow your well prepared feast.  Pinot Noir is just the red for the job, as it is light enough to not steal the show.  To enhance extra fruit flavors, serve your Pinot a little chilled.

Sweet-fandel

As we now know that sweet wines are my absolute favorite, I can't pass up the opportunity to make a suggestion.  In a previous blog, I've mentioned wines sweet enough to go with dessert. 

Now allow me to speak of some sweet wines with dinner.  If you like a sweet yet spicy character, Gewurztraminers give a nice combination of the two.  Or if you prefer somewhat of a semi sweet taste, Rieslings are right for you.  Now let's not forget my personal pick, an all-purpose sweet wine that compliments just about anything on the table.  The White Zinfandel is in my opinion is a rose' wine that doesn't always get as much credit as it deserves.  It's one of those wines that can be enjoyed with everything or with nothing at all, always setting the right atmosphere for any occasion. 

Turkey in the Champagne room

Any holiday or celebration would not be complete without the bubbly.  Champagnes are a great match to any occasion providing a sparkling atmosphere to any holiday season.

Hopefully I've helped just enough for you to cross "wine" off that "to do" list and remember, that in the presence of good food, family and wine, there is plenty to give thanks for this holiday season.  Happy Thanksgiving.

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