Thanksgiving is JUST around the corner... What wines to serve...

If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides, you need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that, a red wine is possibly the best pairing but not just ANY red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.

RULE #1. When thinking about pairing think more about the sauces and spices in your meal than the meat.                                  This is the best tip on this page!

 A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel. But this is personal preference! 

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests (at least) two wine options.  Most people fall into one of three categories: I'm a red wine drinker... I'm a white wine drinker... I don't drink alcoholic beverage... NOTE--There are "non-alcoholic" wines out there but they are awful in my opinion. BUT--a good host will be sensitive to the teetotaler and have some kind of options ready.  

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours or 5-- 4oz. pours in a 750ml bottle!      So which two wines? 

Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, (Castle Rock Pinot Noir-- either Monterey County or Mendocino are  ubiquitous bargain Pinots for what it's worth.)  Stay away from the bottom of the barrel wines--see below.   If you are able, staying in the $15 - $20 price range offers a myriad of decent wines and an actual wine store should be able to steer you in the right direction. 

For what it's worth, Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point. Oregon the same with Pinot Noirs. California of course offers just about everything. Don't spend money needlessly trying to impress your friends who more than likely have no idea of what is a good wine and what is plonk. Want a very unscientific tip? Avoid wines with animals on the label... or a foot prints...  (eg. Bare foot brand wines are plonk FWIW...)

A reliable axiom is-- when in doubt, sparkling wines tend to pair quite well with a broad spectrum of spices that can be hard to pair with other wines. Spanish CAVA's (eg. Freixenet is a reliable value--see below) and  "MUMM's Brut Prestige" is always reliable at around #$24 or under.)

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food. 

To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine, something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.

Above all else-  It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!

Querceto Chianti 2025

Ruby hue with aromas of gentle cherry with a slight unusual blueberry suggestion. 

Palate--with robust acidity--maybe too much-- and a tepid cherry mid-palate.  

This is not the usual profile I expect from a Tuscan red. Lited at $17 I paid $10 for it and it is disappointing although I admit my palate may not be the most reliable these days... 

I am pairing this with my wifes, Italian sausage, kale, and cannellini bean soup. Okay--Actually it worked well with our soup so raise a glass!

ISOLA DEL SOLE Terre Siciliane 2024

Crystalline lemony hue with aromas with sweet lemon notes vanilla a creme brulee. 

Palate--Tart citrus first impression, with racy acidity, thin palate with good texture but little flavor. 

This is a Trader Joe's offering at $7.50 which is hard to complain about but...if you buy it for a pool side or chilled aperitif it's "OK". So at this price, raise a glass!  

Tortoise Creek Zinfandel 2022 Lodi

Medium ruby hue with aromas of cherry/berry with a slight spicy note.

Palate--Supple with nice acidity, nice cherry berry fruit and cranberry(?) with Zinfandel character and a finish that endures for a bit. 

My last bottle of this Zin which I found a couple years ago for a ridiculous $7 so I bought a couple cases over a couple years. Pairing with my traditional Sunday pizza so raise a glass!

Thanksgiving Day Wine and turkey dinner! (FYI-a repost from earlier in the month)

If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides, You need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that very fact, a red wine is the best pairing but not just any red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.

RULE #1. When thinking about pairing think more about the sauces and spices in your meal than the meat! 

 A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel. 

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wine options.  Most people fall into one of three categories: I'm a red wine drinker... I'm a white wine drinker... I don't drink alcoholic beverage... NOTE--There are "non-alcoholic" wines out there but they are awful in my opinion. BUT--a good host will be sensitive to the teetotaler and have some kind of options ready.  

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours or 5-- 4oz. pours in a 750ml bottle!      So which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, stay away from the bottom of the barrel wines.  If you are able, staying in the $15 - $20 price range offers a myriad of decent wines and an actual wine store should be able to steer you in the right direction. For what it's worth, Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point. Oregon the same with Pinot Noirs. California of course offers just about everything. Don't spend money needlessly trying to impress your friends who more than likely have no idea fo what is a good wine and what is plonk. Want a very unscientific tip? Avoid wines with animals on the label... or a foot prints...  (eg. Bare foot brand wines are plonk FWIW...)

A reliable axiom is-- when in doubt, sparkling wines tend to pair quite well with a broad spectrum of spices that can be hard to pair with other wines. Spanish CAVA's (eg. Freixenet is a reliable value--see below) and  "MUMM's Brut Prestige" is always reliable at around #$20 or under.)

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food. 

To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine, something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.

Above all else-  It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!

Terre Del Casone (Toscana) "Vermentino" 2025

Very light golden hue with aromas of green apple and sweet fragrant pear, vanilla, baby powder and makes me want to just enjoy this floral fragrance before tasting.

Palate--Gentle first impression with minerally, steely front palate, with some good acidity, and a buttery mid-palate.  It really does exhibit a nuanced salinity, the effects of the sea...

Very nice and enjoyable Vermentino (the grape), easy to drink, food friendly Tuscan white or as an aperitif. Chill it around cellar temperature (50 degrees) and drink it poolside (southern climes) or with a group of light cheeses, (northern climes). I will be pairing it with a very bacony, cheese quiche.  At $8 from Trader Joe's it's a nice snag so raise a glass!

ECLIPSE Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

Brilliant beautiful ruby hue with aromas of tart red fruit with notes of bright cherry and red berry.

Palate--A supple first impression with a vibrant acidity supporting lively red berry and a quick finish.

This Trader Joe's offering at $12 is a value which I just reviewed in early September which I tend to review ALL my wines no matter how many times I may have had them. It helps me to keep a check on my olfactory consistency which keeps me inline on my reviews.

I am pairing this tonight with my own created "meatloaf" a name for a cuisine that is NOT enticing to me. Too many bad memories of my mother's marginal cooking. LOL. I believe it will do well with my own created meatloaf so raise a glass!

Grifone Primitivo 2025

Crystalline purple hue with cherry berry fruity bouquet and entle spices.

Palate--Tart first impression with mouth watering acidity and restrained fruit but solidly built. Finishes quickly but this needs a couple years to come into its own.

"Primitivo" and Zinfandel are identical grapes at the DNA level!  In other words, Primitivo you might say is the (Italian) great grand-daddy of our home grown (California) Zinfandel. There are similarities but they are quite different. Why? Because of the many variables in climate differences between California and Puglia Italy. AND--because the difference in the style and touch of our domestic vintners. Now to be fair, I have never had but a couple Primitivos so I wouldn't say I can give a fair review of the differences between our Zin and Italy's Primtivo.

But I can say that this Primitivo which is an offering from Trader Joe's at $6 so you can hardly go wrong. Pairing it with our Sunday night pizza and it will be just fine!  Raise a glass!

Corvelia Zinfandel Paso Robles Lot 23

Nicely pigmented deep purple with aromas of good dark berry, and subtle hints of coffee.

Palate--First impression is nicely balanced and well made with robust dark fruit with gentle spice and classic Zinfandel mouth filling glory. 

I LOVE this Zin from Trader Joes as it is classic Zin at a bargain price with nice qualities and while the finish is short it is still a very nice example of the Zinfandel grape. At $10 this is a must buy if you have the opportunity. Pairing with with venison cheeseburgers, and baked cheese curds!  Raise a glass!

The world has lost one of the great enophiles' enophile!

 

PISSARRES 2019 (Priorat)

Deep dark aubergine hue with a big floral bouquet of intense dark berry, cola, and sweet spice.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity, balanced mid palate, bold fruit and bold structure.

This Spanish "Grenache" blend is a classic grenache structured to be served best with food or appetizers rather than all by itself. Well made, and an appreciated gift for my birthday from a friend who shares the same birthdate. Happy birthday my friend!  Thank you!   Raise a glass!

Too early for Thanksgiving wine advice??? NAH!

If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides, You need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that very fact, a red wine is the best pairing but not just any red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.

RULE #1. When thinking about pairing think more about the sauces and spices in your meal than the meat! 

 A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel. 

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wine options.  Most people fall into one of three categories: I'm a red wine drinker... I'm a white wine drinker... I don't drink alcoholic beverage... NOTE--There are "non-alcoholic" wines out there but they are awful in my opinion. BUT--a good host will be sensitive to the teetotaler and have some kind of options ready.  

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours or 5-- 4oz. pours in a 750ml bottle!      So which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, stay away from the bottom of the barrel wines.  If you are able, staying in the $15 - $20 price range offers a myriad of decent wines and an actual wine store should be able to steer you in the right direction. For what it's worth, Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point. Oregon the same with Pinot Noirs. California of course offers just about everything. Don't spend money needlessly trying to impress your friends who more than likely have no idea fo what is a good wine and what is plonk. Want a very unscientific tip? Avoid wines with animals on the label... or a foot prints...  (eg. Bare foot brand wines are plonk FWIW...)

A reliable axiom is-- when in doubt, sparkling wines tend to pair quite well with a broad spectrum of spices that can be hard to pair with other wines. Spanish CAVA's (eg. Freixenet is a reliable value--see below) and  "MUMM's Brut Prestige" is always reliable at around #$20 or under.)

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food. 

To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine, something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.

Above all else-  It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!