Five red wine grape varieties you may not have considered for Thanksgiving
In the wine world, the default wines for Thanksgiving are Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noirs and Champagne or Rosé with appetizers. These tried and true have been and continue to be successful choices. Yet the world has more to offer.
My darling Alice roasts the best Thanksgiving turkeys!
The frisky and fine Matteo Correggia Barbera d’Alba 2017
Let’s take a deeper dive into the why
I have added five red wine categories to this year’s Thanksgiving choices: Barbera, Nebbiolo, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Monastrell. Let’s take a deeper dive into the why. Since the feast is often filling with all sorts of flavors besides the turkey, pairing wines can be difficult. On one hand, one doesn’t want to overpower the food, and that is why Cabernet Sauvignon is often too powerful and why Pinot Noir fits in nicely. Here is my list of five red wines that could be great alternatives to the default.
· Matteo Correggia Barbera d’Alba 2017 I have followed this producer over the last two decades and have always found this wine spot-on with its bright fruit and elegance. Barbera, with its inherent high acidity, becomes refreshing when one is devouring slices of turkey, giblet gravy, and cranberry sauce. The wine’s light tannins and refreshing finish keep the diner from being overstuffed. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $22
· Paitin Starda Nebbiolo, Langhe 2020 One of my longtime favorites from Piedmont, this Nebbiolo is black-fruited, lean, lively, and precise. Its no-nonsense palate profile allows the meal to take center stage. Like the Barbara, the wine’s light tannins pave its way to full enjoyment. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail: $24
· Agua de Piedra Selección Mendoza Selección Malbec 2021 I enjoyed my visits to Argentina and the introduction to Argentine grilled beef and Malbec. In this price range, this is one of the best values one could land for Thanksgiving dinners. If you and your guests are diving into the succulent bird flavors and skimping on the salad you should be eating, this wine will take care of your food and wine satisfaction. (My Score: 89 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $12
· Langtry Merlot, Lake County, Tephra Ridge 2019 This Lake County, California winery is a discovery waiting to be discovered. While this much-maligned grape variety is often overlooked, this winery shows why we should be paying attention to Lake County as well as Merlot. While Merlots can range from light to full-bodied, many of the most heralded examples are weighted in tannins than can be obtrusive in a meal. This wine excels in richness, yet it has a pleasing delicate underbelly. Enjoy its black fruits with the dark meat of the turkey and the hard crunch of the giblets. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $42
· Sierra Salinas Mo Monastrell, Alicante, Spain 2019 Monastrell aka Mourvèdre is grape variety that is often smooth and layered on the palate, and indeed this one is that and more. Delicious and elevated on the palate, perfect for the meal. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $12
When choosing the right wine for you, your family, and your guests, always consider who is coming to dinner and what they may enjoy drinking. This night belongs to everyone at the dinner table. Happy Thanksgiving!
https://langtryfarms.com/
The impressive Langtry Tephra Ridge Merlot, Lake County 2019
