Thanksgiving wine choices

November 6, 10:11 AMWine ExaminerLeslie Cramer

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As with many things in life, the best tip I can offer when considering wine choices for the Thanskgiving holiday is don't overthink it.  Your choices should--bottom line--be personal, wines that you choose, for your reasons.  And the best part is, it'll be pretty hard to make a poor choice.  There are so many varied tastes and flavors involved in the meal that most wines will pair, at least adequately.

Whites:  A crisp, earthy, bright-fruit-high-acidic Sauvignon Blanc would do nicely.  Chardonnays generally pair with with an array of foods.  Find one that is dry, fresh and fruity, full-bodied and ripe.  My overall pick for whites would be Riesling.  Delicate and lighter, with light, soft, fresh fruit aromas with just a tinge of sweetness will appeal to many palates.

Reds:  Beaujolais Nouveau should be the first and foremost consideration, and the timing is perfect, to boot.  Fresh and appealing from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais Nouveaus are fresh, fruity, unpretentious.  Purply in the glass, serve it slightly chilled.  Pinot Noirs may be a good choice, aromatic, soft, and light.  A Syrah/Shiraz will offer great depth of flavor and color, a little peppery and a good food pairer.

Sparklers:  With an off-dry (extra dry) French or California you again can't go wrong.  Softer and fuller fruit, and extra dry is a better choice than the drier brut. for pairing capabilities.

Roses:  A drier, Provencal (French) Rose is probably one of the best choices yet.  Crisp, light, and full of flavor but not so much tom overpwer a meal. 

Just remember, the holiday is about family, friends, the meal, and what you are thankful for.  With so many good choices out there, follow your heart and instincts and the right wines will present themselves, guaranteed.  Stay tuned for specific wine choices for the holiday!