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Updated on Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:11:38 PM
Wine
Adventure!
Volume 1, Issue 2
November
10, 1998
Finding the Perfect Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner
There are no absolutes when it comes to finding the right wine for your Thanksgiving Dinner. I have found as many responses as there
are people who are willing to share their ideas. Despite their differences of opinion,
everyone had the same basic message: Drink what you enjoy! No need to choke down a white
wine when you actually enjoy reds just because conventional wisdom says that Rieslings go
well with poultry.
If you want to enjoy full bodied wines with your Thanksgiving dinner, try
adding more spices, prepare stronger flavored dishes, and serve more dark meat. John
Sarich, the Culinary Director at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, has successfully used this
method for many years. Some of his Thanksgiving
favorites include Turkey Stuffing with Italian Sausage and Cranberry,
and Cherry Chutney (recipes on page 3) with the ‘95 Chateau Ste.
Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot, available for $15.69. The ‘95 Columbia Crest
Columbia Valley Merlot would also be excellent with these menu items, and is available for
$8.99.
Red Zinfandel is a unique American tradition that is perfectly suited for
the Thanksgiving table. Even for traditional Thanksgiving fare, Zinfandel typically offers
fresh fruit flavors and light oak that doesn’t wash away all of the nuances of your
lighter dishes. A perfect example of this is the ‘95 Beringer Zinfandel North Coast
Appellation Collection for $12.99.
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without Beaujolais Nouveau. This year, we will be offering two brands- the Georges Deboeuf and Mommessin,
both for $9.99. They will arrive just in time for Thanksgiving.
Speaking of Georges Deboeuf and Beaujolais, the ‘97 Deboeuf Beaujolais-Villages for $7.49 is an excellent red wine for
Thanksgiving. The Deboeuf Beaujolais tends to be softer and fruitier than most other
brands, making it perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
For something different this Thanksgiving, try the Hoodsport Raspberry, Loganberry, and Rhubarb wines for just $6.99 each. These are
great wines for beginning wine drinkers.
For white wines, Vouvray (Chenin Blanc from France) is typically fresh and
fruit forward and makes an excellent white wine
for Thanksgiving dinner. We have three Vouvrays in stock:
the ‘97 Denis Marchais at $5.99, the ‘97 Barton and Guestier Vouvray for $8.99, and the ‘97 Frederick Wildman Vouvray at $10.79.
Sparkling wine will also be appearing at our dinner table this year. Roses
are excellent if you are looking for a fruitier
champagne with a hint of sweetness, such as the ‘94 Roederer
Estate Anderson Valley Brut Rose. This wine scored a 92 from the Wine Spectator, and is a bargain at just $24.99. For a sweeter
sparkling wine, the NV Mondoro Asti Spumanti has
more complexity and flavor than most Spumantis for just $14.99.
For a dry sparkling wine, try a Blanc de Noirs (white wine from black grapes), which offers more complexity and richness to the wine.
The Ste. Chapelle American Blanc de Noirs at
$7.49, the NV Chandon Carneros Blanc de Noirs for $17.99
and the NV Mumm Cuvee Napa Blanc de Noirs for $18.99 are all excellent examples.
Riesling is another classic choice for Thanksgiving. Wind River is a new
winery located near Bingen, Washington, with
youthful and enthusiastic owners. Their ‘96 White Riesling
is excellent at $7.99 as is the ‘96 Claar Cellars Columbia Valley White Riesling for $6.85.
A discussion of Thanksgiving wine isn’t complete without mentioning
Gewürztraminer. A good Gewürztraminer
smells like a bouquet of flowers. This year’s picks include the ‘97 Covey Run Columbia Valley Gewürztraminer for $5.69,
the ‘97 Columbia Winery Yakima Valley
Gewürztraminer at $7.99, and the ‘97 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia
Valley Gewürztraminer for $7.99.
No matter what your tastes in wine, just remember to get something you
like. Don’t be afraid to try something new,
either. You can always get a bottle of something you are familiar
with as back up.
Most of all, be sure to have fun :-) Happy Thanksgiving!
Cranberry and Cherry Chutney
Both Recipes Created by John Sarich Culinary
Director,
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
1 cup whole canned cranberries
1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
1 red onion, chopped
Pinch of clove
1 Tbl. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 Tbl. dry mustard
1 Tbl. honey
1 Tbl. orange juice
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Wine recommendation:
Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot
Turkey Stuffing with Italian Sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup celery tops, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbls. olive oil
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cubed
1 lb. good bulk Italian sausage
1 package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped
1 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
1 Tbl. fresh sage, chopped
1 Tbl. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 cups bread cubes, dry or day old
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
1/8 cup Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling
Sauté onion, celery and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add sausage
and cook
until just done. COOL. Add apple, spinach, rosemary, thyme,
sage,
parsley and bread cubes and mix. Add chicken broth and wine. Note:
stuffing should be moist but not mushy.
Use for stuffing turkey, chicken or game hens.
Wine recommendation :
Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling
Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon