Each year I write about the many wine matches that pair with the indulgent Thanksgiving feast. Over the past few weeks I have been asking friends and readers if turkey would grace their tables or if another meat would star. Of the more than 30 or so people asked, I had only one respond with a different entree. Statistically, that may be about correct considering estimates are that more than 46 million turkeys will be cooked for the celebratory occasion.
In order to ease the stress of preparing for this holiday celebration I am recommending value wine for less than $20 this week. In the past I've gone into detail about the various flavors and textures on the Thanksgiving table and the best wines to match with each. This year my approach is much more simple: You could literally close your eyes and point to one of these suggestions. They are all spot-on as the ideal pairing for your Turkey Day festivities!
THE WHITES
2014 Irony Chardonnay, California (about $11 retail)
2014 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer, Washington (about $12 retail)
2015 Firesteed Riesling, Oregon (about $16 retail)
2014 Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay, California (about $17 retail)
2015 Matua Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $15 retail)
2015 Tora Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $14 retail)
2015 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris, California (about $19 retail)
2015 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier, California (about $18 retail)
2015 Simi Chardonnay, California (about $20 retail)
2015 Cline Viognier, California (about $15 retail)
2013 Anne Amie Estate Dry Riesling, Oregon (about $19 retail)
THE ROSES
2014 Presqu'ile Winery Pinot Noir Rose, California (about $20 retail)
2015 Domaine Bousquet Rose, Argentina (about $12 retail)
2015 Crios Rose of Malbec, Argentina (about $15 retail)
2014 Turkey Flat Rose, Australia (about $20 retail)
2015 M Minuty Rose, France (about $20 retail)
THE REDS
2014 Clos du Bois Pinot Noir, California (about $12 retail)
2014 Bell Wine Cellars Red Blend, California (about $17 retail)
2014 Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $20 retail)
2014 Parcel 41 Merlot, California (about $20 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:
uncorked@thewinecenter.com
Food on 11/23/2016