Holiday Tipples and Treats

November 13, 2:57 PMSF Wine and Drinks ExaminerLiza Zimmerman

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As we enter November, cooler weather and bigger wines, and cocktails, will be settling in. One of my favorite fall celebrations is on the third Thursday of November when we welcome the arrival of the perhaps over-heralded Beaujolais Nouveau.

While one big brand has been monopolizing the occasion for some time, it's also a great opportunity to try a variety of young wines that are fresh off the fields. The Italians also make novelli (new wines) and as I am biased I also adore them. What's also fun is that the Italian wines hail from different regions and grapes. Check out those made from Teroldego, one of the lesser-known northern Italian grapes.

What's more Thanksgiving is right around the corner. People always ask, half giggling, what they should pair with the turkey. I actually think it's not so challenging, and offers choices I might also pair with a good hot dog, so here we go: The soft wines of Beaujolais for starters might be lovely with Turkey. Not so much the Nouveau, but some of the better-known Beaujolais Crus, like Morgon or Chénas, have a soft, approachable structure and a ripe red-fruit profile that is likely to complement this less than easy to please bird.

Beaujolais is on the map in November and Lambrusco bubbles forth.

What's more I have always encouraged everyone who has sought my advice to do as the Italians: serve a sparkling Lambrusco (it is really divine at any time of the day). My first Thanksgiving in Italy we had it midday with the turkey and it was effervescent, fruity and delicious. Try a solid and small producer likeLini. These wines are really putting their home land of Emilia-Romagna the map, and putting the over-sweet Aussie Shirazes to shame.

Since you have the wine chosen you could just kick back relax and order in. Cook SF offers an organic, free-range turkey, all the trimmers and pies for six to eight people for $289 which can be delivered to your home.

The most important rule is to always drink, and toast with, something you love.

Buone Feste (as we say in Italy),