Wines for Thanksgiving
A little history. Amazingly, the first Thanksgiving (at least what we are classifying as Thanksgiving) occurred in Spanish Florida, outside St Augustine, in early December of 1565. As a native Virginian, we had claimed the first Thanksgiving, held in the Spring of 1610 in Jamestown. The Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock fame, had theirs in October of 1621. Who gets credit for the first one is a great argument while eating your choice of bird. One thing everyone agrees on is that the Spanish had wine at their Thanksgiving, and the fluffy collared Pilgrims certainly did not. So what should you base your Thanksgiving wine choices on?
Turkey, tofurkey, and all the accoutrements. A few wine principals will let you pick a wine that will agree with all. If you are picking a red find one that has less than 14% alcohol with medium/velvety tannins. Higher alcohol wine, 14.5% and higher, will most likely over power your meal. Too much tannins and lower alcohol (less than 13.5%ish) wine will tend to give you cotton mouth, so 13.5% alcohol is a good starting point. You will have to ask or research about the tannin. If you are picking a white look for one with equal amounts of acidity and flavor complexity. What does that mean? A Chardonnay that is not overly oaky/butter, or a Sauvignon Blanc that is not a citrusy/grapefruit bomb. Bottom line; pleasant, middle of the road wines that still give you great flavor and will not out compete your Thanksgiving meal.
Two of my favorites: Barboursville Chardonnay Reserve 2019 from Virginia (yes, Virginia), and Fuenteseca Paraje 2021 Bobal/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from near Valencia Spain. The Chardonnay is equal parts oak/butter/acid so it will have enough complexity to not get totally washed out by the mash potatoes. The Bobal (2nd most grown grape varietal in Spain behind Tempranillo) blend comes in at 13.5% alcohol, equal amounts of fruit and earth flavors with velvety tannins which results in an almost meaty mouth feel. Impressively good! And great with cranberries. It’s also certified Organic and Vegan. Tofurkey, here I come…I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
