It’s November and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching; there is no better time to start preparing the menu for your get-togethers than now. It will take careful consideration to plan your meal and select complementary wines. The big question is – which wines complement the variety of dishes that present themselves on Thanksgiving Day? With turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and stuffing, is there just one wine that will suffice from start to finish? Here is a sample of wines to serve at your holiday gathering.
Viognier – a white wine that offers the perfect opportunity to shake things up and impress your guests, as this wine is not always a popular choice. A classic Rhone varietal, Viognier produces beautiful wines with fruity aromas and a medium body. Typically high in acidity and tang, Viognier is also refreshing and crisp. It will surely pair with the traditional Thanksgiving dishes of cranberries, stuffing, green beans, and turkey.
Dry Rosé – often a blend of white and red grapes, this wine is complex and a great complement to your Thanksgiving meal. Rosés are dry and have fresh fruit notes, spices, and a clean mineral finish. They are also excellent food wines due to the balance of acidity and fruit flavors. Rosé wines are best served chilled, similar to a white wine. This wine is great paired with the richness of dark meat, gravy, and butter.
Grenache – one of the most widely planted grapes in the world, this varietal develops maximum characteristics in warmer climates. Typically made for blending with other varietals for bold red wines, it showcases excellently on its own. Strawberries, black cherries, and spice, like anise, usually present themselves in this medium-bodied wine. Grenache is low in tannins and acidity, so it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday gathering. Traditionally served at room temperature, this wine is also excellent served slightly chilled.
EdenVale Winery has vintages of these wines, and much more, available at both tasting rooms. Stop by either one and let our knowledgeable staff help you pair our award winning wines with your Thanksgiving meal.
The tasting rooms are located at: EdenVale Winery in Medford at 2310 Voorhies Road or Enoteca by EdenVale in Ashland at 17 North Main Street.
