THANKFUL FOR WINE
This weekend, give thanks with one of these five tasty bottles that pair well with turkey,
2016 Laurent Miquel Pere et Fils Chardonnay, Languedoc, France (LCBO 157909 $12.90 in stores only)
This classic but well-priced Chardonnay is sure to elevate any Thanksgiving dinner with its gentle aromas and understated flavours of baked apple, melon and white flowers, and a touch of lemon and wet stones on the finish. Silky smooth, totally unwooded and vibrant, it comes from a 225-year-old estate in the south of France made by a family that really knows its stuff. But the proof is in the glass. Terrific value for money.
Score: 91+
NV Rene Barbier Mediterranean, Catalunya, Spain (LCBO 332767 $9.95 in stores and online)
This blend of three Spanish grape varieties — Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada — washes over the palate all cool and clean yet attractively understated. Fetching aromas of lemon zest, honeysuckle and chalk draw you toward the racy attack of mixed citrus and fresh apples. It offers dry, delicate refreshment with a bright, sunny disposition. Brilliant value white that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. And if you think the label’s not autumnal enough, pour it into a pretty pitcher.
Score: 89
2015 Pisse-Dru Beaujolais, Burgundy, France (LCBO 2881 $12.95 in stores and online)
One of my favourite styles of wine to pour with turkey is Beaujolais for its easy, affable character and touch of Old World charm. This bottle is a fine choice, hailing from the very good 2015 vintage. It tastes bright, clean and fruity with a crush of red, ripe raspberry edged with cranberry and underbrush — that savory-earthy note that calls to mind an autumn hike through the woods. Pour this wine with confidence.
Score: 90
2012 Bodegas Valdelacierva, Rioja, Spain (Vintages 43713 $15.95 in stores only)
Those who like big, lush reds no matter what they’re eating will no doubt enjoy this undervalued bottle just released in Vintages. This stellar oak-aged Tempranillo exudes warm aromas of stewed cherries and vanilla bean then swathes the palate with cashmere flavours of sweet macerated berries, toasted nut, warm toffee, cherry and blueberry. It’s quite a characterful, smart wine that is well worth snapping up.
Score: 94
2015 Baden Gewurztraminer, Germany (LCBO 336735 $12.10 in stores and online)
This bottle isn’t particularly fancy but it does taste as though made for a turkey feast with its toned-down citrus and lychee centre edged with butterscotch, salt, nutmeg and candied ginger. All of its layered flavours complement the menu beautifully while the mouth-watering acidity offsets the softly perceptible sweetness, making it both quaffable and food-friendly.
Score: 88+