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A Toast to the Tasty Turkey!
Wine Selections for a Noble Bird
By John W. Schultz
It’s almost that time of year again, of family
gatherings, of setting the dining table to more place settings
than you’re used to, and of course deciding what to serve your
loved ones for Thanksgiving. If you’ve chosen Turkey,
you’re like many Americans who do their part and cook one of the
over 45 million Turkeys prepared for Thanksgiving Day feasts.
Once you’ve decided on Turkey, the next decision on course is to
think about what wines to serve. Fortunately our most favorite bird
goes well with a wide variety of red and white wines. Medium dry
whites and lighter, softer reds are usually the best matches.
In the white category my favorite sweeter style is Gewurztraminer.
It's floral nose and fruity-spicy flavors meld nicely with our
favorite bird. On the drier side, Pinot Gris can be a good choice,
provided it is not oaked. Montinore winery makes a very nice one
from Oregon for around $11. Viognier? Most certainly yes! Look for
Smoking Loon Viognier for around $9.
For those of you who must drink red, then careful choices must be
made indeed. A perennial Thanksgiving favorite is Beaujolais
Nouveau; fresh, lush and fruity. The original French version will be
available soon after November 15. Some quality California versions
will be available sooner. Syrah and Southern Rhone wines can fit the
bill for your bird, provided they are made in a soft and fruity
style, generally these can be found under $10.
Want to experiment? Try a Washington State Lemberger. White
Zinfandel? If you must (grandma loves it), better yet, try a dry
Rosé!
Of course, if all else fails to entice, go for Champagne, it's
always great!
Here are a few selections you can find in your better Grocery
stores and wine shops in the Seattle and greater eastside area.
Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2001 (Alsace) $18
Crisp and dry with beautiful subtle spicy character, the hallmark of
traditional Gewurztraminer. On the nose, Muscat and citrus invite
you to taste this juicy yet dry gem. A classic choice for Turkey.
Maryhill Celilo Gewurztraminer 2002 (Washington) $10
This tasty Turkey wine is born of fruit purchased from the
well-known Celilo Vineyard near White Salmon, Washington. This
highly fragrant wine explodes with flavors of litchi fruit, kiwi and
sweet pineapple. Made in the German “Auslese” style, it retains
about 3% of its original grape sugars to give it a firm sweet
finish.
Conundrum 2002 (California) $26
A super, yet puzzling (thus the name) blend of Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat and Semillon. Round and full in the
mouth with creamy oak nuances that weave nicely into the juicy pear,
fresh lemons, warm spices and ripe fig flavors. There is a great
balance of fruit and oak in this beautiful white, with nuances of
toasty vanilla oak, roasted almonds and a hint of yeast from the
malolactic fermentation. The long, lingering finish is soft yet
juicy. This is a great wine to serve with most white wine fare, in
addition to Pan Asian and spicy food. Cork dorks and the
Vino-novices will enjoy this beauty.
Waterbrook Mélange 2003 (Washington) $12
This just released vintage of Mélange is delicious! A super world
blend of Washington State Cab, Merlot, Syrah, Cab Franc and
Sangiovese that brings together grapes traditionally from Bordeaux,
the Rhone and Tuscany-due to the Sangiovese. Brilliant winemaking
has delivered a wine that is more than the sum of its components.
Synergy if you will. Rich and Juicy with bright flavors of currant,
blackberry and hints of cocoa, leather and warm spices, wrapped in a
cloak of nicely measured oak. The finish is ripe, lingering and
smooth. Pair with grilled meat and game, it’s also a great red wine
choice for turkey.
Arrowood Côte de Lune Blanc Russian River Valley Saralee’s
Vineyard (California) $20
This delicious Rhone style blend from California is comprised of
Rousanne, Marsanne, and Viognier. Pineapple, melon and honey aromas
and flavors fill the glass and the mouth. Aged in seasoned French
oak barrels to impart a whiff of fine vanillin oak, this gem also
shows nuances of apricot, mineral, and butterscotch. A dry, crisp
finish, rounds it out. Ready to drink now.
Byron Sierra Madre Pinot Noir 2000 (California) $22
The Byron 2000 Pinot Noir Sierra Madre Vineyard reflects the
silkiness and opulence for which the old vines of Sierra Madre are
well known. Smooth and delicate, showing tasty wild berry and black
cherry flavors with notes of clove, cinnamon, and smoky vanilla from
French oak aging. The opulent texture culminates in a long-lasting,
silky finish. A fine effort from this quality producer.
Napa Valley Wine Company Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (California) $14
Crisp and Juicy in style with true varietal character. Dry. Aromas
of gooseberry waft from the glass of this excellent summertime
quaff. Ripe honeydew, and citrus flavors weave thru bracing, yet
balanced acids, finishes with nice grapefruit flavors. 30% barrel
aged in oak gives it a nice rich texture and a hint of oaky spice.
100% Organically grown grapes. Yum!
Delicato Shiraz 2003 (California) $7
Delicious, Spicy berry character with the much desired brambly
character you might get from a tart wild blackberry add in some nice
spicy leathery. The finish is lush with firm rustic tannins. This
gets my pick as the best California Shiraz for under $10.
Moët & Chandon White Star Extra-Dry NV Champagne (France) $37
This traditional Champagne blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot
Meunier, is made in an “Extra Dry” style so it’s a tad sweeter than
the Brut bottling. Aromas of fresh flowers, hazelnuts and yeast open
this celebration gem, with zesty flavors of citrus and peach on the
palate. The smooth Juicy Fruit finish lingers beautifully. Perfect
with lighter desserts and celebrations. Cheers!
Cheers!
John Schultz |
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