Let's start with Bubbles

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Every good occasion starts with bubbles. Now, there are a few routes you can go here...

 

If you want to splurge, pop the Champagne. It's what you've been saving it for anyways, right? 

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If you want to save the champagne for yourself (why not?) and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with a Cremant. Any cremant is such a good value for an occasion because they are made in the same exact way as Champagne, but they are made in other regions, so they can't be given the title - hence the affordability factor, but you often don't have to sacrifice quality! I like a Cremant de Bourgogne or Cremant de Loire. 

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If you want something fun and unique, bring a white lambrusco! It may be more difficult to find depending on where you live, but as red lambrusco is a popular Thanksgiving option, a white version to start the party would only equal cool friend and a good time. 

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Let's Talk White Wines

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Now I know there are lots of people who are strict white or red only wine drinkers, but with the holidays, I'd encourage you to try something new. Plus, this is often when people bust out the good stuff from their cellar, so you may as well give something new a try that you may not get another chance to taste. 

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When it comes to white wines on Thanksgiving, there is nothing better than Chardonnay and I'm sorry to say, but there are no exceptions to this rule. The creaminess and butteriness of these wines will add richness, flavor and depth to these dishes. The crucial factor here is getting a good one. I know a lot of people roll their eyes at the thought of Chardonnay and if that's you, then you probably haven't had a good one yet. In order to make sure you succeed at this, I'd recommend you go straight to Burgundy, or do your research and get an unoaked version from Willamette Valley, Oregon. This will make all of the difference in the world and most people who hate Chardonnay have only had super-oaked and buttery versions from California that ruin it for the rest of us. It is pretty standard for Chardonnay in Burgundy to be made from neutral oak (which does not impart any oak flavours onto the wine, but just allows for the wine to oxidize a bit, resulting in rich flavors of nuttiness, brioche and sourdough that truly can't be beat!). 

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If you want to add something a little off-the-cuff, an Aligote would be a really fun and unique offering. These wines which are typically also found in Burgundy offer a freshness and zestiness, whilst still delivering on body that will pair nicely with a big, rich meal. 

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Don't forget the Reds

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​When it comes to red wines, the pairings are simple. Turkey is dry and light. You often have sides of cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and rich, savory dishes, so we need to choose a wine that compliments these flavors, as opposed to drowning them out. The best way to do this is to think of light, juicy red wines made with little to no oak. Classics in this category are Gamay and Pinot Noir. Grab a gamy from Beaujolais Villages for a more affordable option, or level it up with a Gamay from one of the ten cru villages from France if you want to add a little more complexity to the wine. If you go Pinot Noir, grab one from Burgundy or Willamette Valley, Oregon. The latter option is known for notes of mushroom and forest floor, that could compliment some side dishes very nicely.

 

If you want to add some festivity, include a sparkling red Lambrusco from Italy. Lambrusco's are classic Thanksgiving pairings because they are juicy and fruit-forward and the bubble adds a nice touch that's often not found in red wines. 

 

If you or your guests typically lean towards heavier or oaked red wines, try bringing a Cabernet Franc or a lighter-bodied Grenache made from neutral or limited amounts of time in oak (just ask your wine shop specialist to help you here). These will both add a spice and richness that come from the grape, rather than the vessel it's fermented in. Simultaneously, they will provide body and more of a kick without overpowering the dishes and also not being too foreign for an oaked, red wine lover.

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For dessert...

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If you are still on the wine train, then please invite me to your next gathering! Something fun to end the night would be a small glass of Sauternes - think nutty marmalade, dripping honey, and rich apricot. I'm obsessed with these wines and you simply can't go wrong here. 

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Another fun option would be a Tawny Port wine from Portugal. These are darker in color, are made by starting with a must from grapes, and then fortified with other spirits, like Brandy. They will give notes of nuttiness and caramel with less fruit notes the more they are aged. A great way to provide some extra warmth for your guests, and end the night! 

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​I hope this helps and that whatever you end up serving makes your holidays a little less stressful and a little more bright.

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XOXO, 

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Julia

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