Win Them Over with Wine

Win Them Over with Wine This Thanksgiving

Well, we knew Indian summer wasn’t going to last. Soon you’ll want to cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine.

But don’t get too comfortable just yet, the holidays are just about here! There's tons presents on your ‘to-buy-list’ but first there’s the Turkey dinner you have to impress your family with.

Not to worry, remember a great wine pairing can do wonders for your holiday meal. A bottle of wine is not only a great conversation starter, but when it’s perfectly paired with your dinner you will be the crowned host of the night!

I know exactly what you are thinking … With the thousands of producers and hundreds of varietals, how do you choose? This is where I come in …

For the White wine lovers out there, Chardonnay is a natural choice with turkey, a perfect compliment with white meat. I recommend a 2005 Jordan (Russian River Valley, $39) or 2005 Roger Lassarat (Pouilly-Fuissé, $51).

Sauvignon Blanc (2005 Star Lane, Santa Ynez Valley, $24) also pairs well with everything from mashed turnips to green salad to a spicy turkey stuffing.

I personally have two white favorites, Gewurztraminer and Riesling (2005 Gustave Lorentz Réserve, Alsace, Fr. $16). A well made Gewurztraminer from a reputable producer in Alsace (ie. Rolly Gassmann, Hugel, or Zind Humbrecht), in my opinion, hits a homerun. The wine can best be described as having aromas of roses, cloves and litchi nuts with a lush, viscous palate of apricots, honey and spice with a dry finish. It’s fruity, but not sweet and the spicy characteristics are a perfect holiday match.

If Reds are normally your favorite, Pinot Noir (2006 Brooks, Willamette Valley, $26 – 2004 Fiddlehead ‘Oldsville Reserve’, Willamette Valley, $47) is definitely the current red wine of choice. It compliments just about any type of cuisine out there. More robust than white wine, Pinot Noir has very little tannin. Serve it slightly chilled to bring out the fruit, and it will not overpower your well-planned holiday meal. The level of acidity is higher than other reds which is a good thing when you’re trying to cleanse your palate of Grandma’s Homemade Lumpy Gravy. Don’t get me wrong, I pour that culinary wonder over everything on my plate. But I don’t want to still taste it during the fourth quarter of the football game three hours later.

Finally, if Sparkling (NV Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley $27 – NV Veuve Clicquot, Reims, Fr. $64) wines are your favorite, open a bottle of bubbles with your bird. Yes, sparkling wine is great with food. The acidity and bubbles cut through the richness of most meals and cleanses your palate. Pour this wine throughout the meal or finish with it as a delicious aperitif. Too many people leave the bubbly wine to New Year's, where the flavors are lost to numb taste buds during a night of partying. Instead, pour a glass for your family and friends as a fitting end to a most delicious meal. Whatever you do, don’t stress out about your wine selections.

Next time you are at your favorite neighborhood wine shop, simply ask for help. If the fist question from your Sommelier is ‘What is Your favorite wine?’, rest assured know they are there to listen to Your needs and not talk over your head.

Remember…”It’s just grape juice…very, very yummy grape juice.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Mick Ter Haar

Mick Ter Haar and his wife, Sonia, are the owners of
Cork and Canvas - Wine and Art Gallery
847-780-4243
at 1839 Second St in the Central Business District of Highland Park.

Mick has been a certified Sommelier for over 10 years and loves to ‘talk’ wine with anyone, regardless of their knowledge. If you have any questions or comments, or simply have a pairing question, please feel free to email him at mick@corkandcanvas.com.