Turkey Time is Certainly Wine Time

But the Question is Which Wines ?

Thanksgiving is the kickoff of the dining and wining season. But the variation of what is served for this festive occasion makes the wine selection a bit complicated. Further if the gathering is large, you have to consider the cost of keeping everyone’s glasses topped off. Depending on the guest list, you could easily wind up spending $200-300 on wine if you are not careful.

Luckily, the cost factor is easy to deal with today because there are some great values being offered if you are willing to do a bit of work. You must also immediately recognize that you should offer both white and red wines to keep every one happy.

This is especially true if you are going to serve most people’s choice of a big fat turkey with all the bells and whistles and stuffing. Those who go for the white meat are probably going to want a white wine and those who love the leg and dark meat should choose a red. Then you have the folks that drink only white or red no matter what food is served. If the group is serious, figure ½ a bottle per person. Thanksgiving dinners usually last a long time.

If you are going to serve drinks before dinner, the runaway choice is Champagne or sparkling wines. It puts every one in a festive mood every time. You will get raves from most people even if you serve Cristalino Sparkler from Spain. It is $5.99 and no one will believe it. If you must spend more consider Pacific Echo at around $13 or Louis Roederer (my overall value selection) at $16. Decent French Champagne is $25 and up.

Often the white wine chosen for the meal is Chardonnay out of habit. But I suggest that you consider Sauvignon Blanc. Its dry but fruity taste seems to be able to fit better with the wide range of strong flavors and stuffing that will be served. You can get some wonderful Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand’s Marlborough Valley for well under $15. A good name to look for is Omaka Springs but there are others such as Mud House (it’s true). If you must have Chardonnay, the best value in the world is from Columbia Crest at under $10. If you need to spend more look for Gallo Sonoma, Chateau St. John, Au Bon Climat, Berringer and Kendall Jackson among others.

Right now, the standout choice for red wine to serve those hearty leg and thigh biters is Cotes du Rhone from Provence in Southeast France. These wines are full bodied, loaded with flavor but not overpowering. They can be found for about $10. The names to look for are Guigal, Perrin, Bernard and De Nerth. Try hard to get a 1998 or 2000 vintage. If you have deep pockets, trade up to Chateauneuf du Pape from the same region and same vintages. You will have to pay $20-30 but the prestige may be worth it to you.

If you favor California wines look for Zinfandels from Zabaco, Ridge and Rosenblum. They can be found for about $15 and offer a slightly spicy feel that stands up well to the wide range of the strong Thanksgiving flavors. Pinot Noir is a bit too delicate and Cabernets may be a bit overpowering.

You are on your own on after dinner drinks. But it is my opinion that by then most people will have had enough alcohol. If you must, you can finish on a festive note with a bit more champagne… if you have any left over.