Thanksgiving Wine and Food Pairings

As the chill creeps into the air, and the leaves turn their beautiful fall colors here in the Napa Valley, my thoughts turn to one of my favorite food, wine, and family occasions of the year; Thanksgiving. At our home we gather friends and family from far and near; to cook, eat, laugh, and reflect on all that we are fortunate for.

One of the more important components to most holiday feasts in Napa Valley is of course the wine. There are many philosophies on the perfect holiday wine pairing, but generally serving and drinking what you enjoy is what matters most. Pinot Noir, with its silky complexity, often pairs well with holiday fare. Good, off-dry German Riesling and spicy Alsatian Gewürztraminer are always popular as well. Some will argue that a robust Zinfandel is the perfect match for the Thanksgiving bird. Others prefer a buttery Chardonnay.

Below you will find some of my current favorite Thanksgiving wines; these bottles will likely all be gracing my holiday table this year. Stop in and pick up one (or all,) or allow us to recommend something else if you’d prefer.

DOMAINE CARNEROS by TATTINGER Brut Carneros 2005 ($22)
This is one of my favorite sparkling wines, and a phenomenal way to start any holiday celebration. Nice and crisp, with lots of green apple, rich toasty brioche flavors, and wonderful concentration. Pair with all of your favorite Thanksgiving appetizers.

ERBEN von BEULWITZ Riesling Spätlese “Kaseler Nies’chen - Alte Reben” Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2006 ($23)
This German Riesling is a real crowd pleaser, and has a nice minerality to balance the off-dry, rich fruit. Absolutely delicious all on its own, it goes really well with our Butternut Squash soup course, which is ever so slightly spicy.

RUSSIAN HILL Chardonnay “Gail Ann’s Vineyard” Russian River Valley 2005 ($28)
There is always a place on every holiday table for good Chardonnay, as it pairs so well with the buttery flavors of the meal. This particular wine has everything you’d want in a Chardonnay, while not too much of any one component. The name of the game here is balance. Lovely texture in the mouth, with citrus and apple flavors, a touch of butter, and a kiss of sweet spicy French Oak.

MARSHALL FAMILY WINES Pinot Noir “Barry’s Blend” Russian River Valley 2006 ($20)
Friend and local Napa Winemaker Barry Marshall crafts just a few hundred cases of his wonderful Pinot Noir each year, and it is always a house favorite for its delicious flavors and incredible value. This 2006 vintage is no exception; dark plum, berry, and even hints of cranberry married with exotic spices and silky tannin ensure this wine will pair well with our traditional holiday fare.

PAUL MATHEW Gamay Noir Knight’s Valley Sonoma County 2007 ($16)
Typically the Gamay grape finds its way to many a holiday table in the form of Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine of the harvest produced in France and released on the third Thursday of each November. This is the California version of this grape varietal, and is more concentrated and full-bodied, while still displaying all of the bright fruity characteristics of Beaujolais.

T-VINE Zinfandel Napa Valley 2005 ($33)
Owner/Winemaker Greg Brown is known for making fruity forward, spicy Napa Zinfandel, and this wine does not disappoint. I enjoyed a bottle of this T-Vine Zinfandel the other night, as was duly impressed with the concentration of dark ripe berry, allspice, and clove in the wine. I’m looking forward to enjoying it again with the robust flavors of our holiday meal. This wine even has enough guts to stand up to my famous bacon laced Brussels sprouts.

Stop in to The Napa Valley Wine Train Wine Shop and pick up Ryan’s Holiday Wine Pack.

Try the Holiday Six Pack. One bottle of each of the 6 great holiday wines above: JUST $128! (Includes 10% discount)
Or, make it a full case. Two bottles each of the 6 great holiday wines listed above: JUST $228! (Includes 20% discount)

Thank you, and have a safe and happy holiday season. I look forward to seeing you here at The Napa Valley Wine Train Station soon.

Cheers!
Ryan Graham
Director of Wine
The Napa Valley Wine Train Wine Shop
+1(707)251-5201