The English bon vivant and food and wine writer Hugh Johnson tells us in his work, Hugh Johnson On Wine, that with our turkey we should enjoy, “…virtually any wine, including our very best bottles of dry to medium dry whites and our finest, old reds, especially Burgundy.”
Hugh goes on to say, “The meat of fowl can be adapted with sauces to match any fine wine.” He offers as examples the, "... coq au vin which is chicken served with either a fine white Burgundy or a top quality red Burgundy." However, his familiarity with the American meal often prepared for this holiday prompts him to also suggest “… a sparkling wine if the stuffing is strong, sweet, and somewhat spicy.”
Since the title promises a recipe, here’s a turkey recipe:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html
Now, on to the wines…
Sparkling Wines
Budget Selection: Try the winner of The Wine Trials blind tastings, Domaine ste Michelle Brut,. The wine is widely available and reasonably priced at under $15.00. In some markets, it’s even available for under $10.00.
Pricier But Affordable: Try Cave B’s 2008 Blanc de Blanc at $24.95/btl at the winery. You can order on line if you can't find it in any local markets. The wine is both fragrant and yeasty without reeking of bread dough.
Break the Bank: Many places are offering the latest Moet et Chandon’s Dom Perignon for just a tad under $150.00. Who knows, this might be the year you need to impress someone. This name will do just that.
Still Wines, White
Budget Selection: Buy the Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2007 Chardonnay. The wine is widely available and affordably priced at usually under $12.00. This wine hasn’t scored lower than a WS 86 in the past decade. It’s always a solid performer and a crowd pleasing wine. If there are hordes of relatives descending upon you this Thanksgiving, serve them this beverage. It’ll please their palates without molesting your wallet.
Pricier but affordable: Try the new ’37 Cellars 2007 Chardonnay. This wine has both the acid quality and the lightly oaked character you might need to help wash down that gravy. This is a $16.00 a bottle sleeper white that is guaranteed to open the eyes of the skeptics at your table. You know the ones, those who think your taste in wine runs to the jug stuff. Pull this one out of your fridge and you’ll send shock-waves around the dining room table. But, hurry, this is very limited production: a mere 50 cases were made.
Break the Bank: Here, choose an actual Meursault. It’s not that great white Chardonnays aren't available from California, Oregon or Washington, it’s just that this is Thanksgiving so break the bank by buying a Meursault. Try this one: http://www.wine.com/V6/Joseph-Drouhin-Meursault-Perrieres-2006/wine/96388/detail.aspx?s=GoogleBase&cid=GoogleBase about $80.00 plus tax and shipping. If it's not available at your local wine shop, ask the owners for a comparable Meursault
Still Wines, Reds
Budget Selection: It is difficult to find a red Burgundy in the genuine budget price range, but Owen Roe’s O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir comes close. Current price at the winery for the O’Reilly’s is $18.95 but some shops sell it for slightly less. Hunt for this one as it’s worth the effort.
Pricier But Affordable: Try one of the several from the North Central Washington area. Chelan Estates, Lake Chelan Winery, and Benson Vineyards in the new, Lake Chelan AVA. All these wineries have quality Pinot Noirs in the high $25.00+ price range. Chateau Faire Le Pont in Wenatchee also has a fine Pinot similarly priced. Any of these will do nicely.
Break the Bank: Again, we’re back to Owen Roe. Visit the website and pick something from a score of choices with prices ranging in the mid $30’s to the upper $60’s per bottle. All of the Owen Roe wines are noteworthy.
Karma Winery in Lake Chelan also makes all three, a sparkling wine done in the style of Champagne (but the current bottling is sold out), a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir both of which are available and can be purchased on line.
Roast your Turkey, add your traditional trimmings, and choose wines that will please both you and your guests.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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