Grape vine
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS toasts Thanksgiving with some patriotic pours and food-friendly wines for pre-Christmas turkey celebrations CHRISTMAS comes but once a year... at least it does on this side of the pond. Americans are blessed with Thanksgiving Day (November 24), which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.
A national holiday, Thanksgiving centres around a menu that’s rich with festive fare – turkey, gravy and cranberries are a must.
So if you’re looking for an excuse to crack open your best red, don’t want to share a fine white with the in-laws, or aren’t sure if that bargain bottle is up to the big day, a Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect foil to put those wines to the test...
WELCOMING WHITES
WHETHER you’re serving smoked salmon, lobster or New England seafood chowder, these whites will delight...
La Grille Touraine Sauvignon 2014, France (£8.99, Majestic): This classically styled sauvignon blanc fully reflects the quality and character of the Loire Valley. With typical freshness, good acidity and gooseberry and grapefruit flavours, a hint of lemon peel adds some citrusy zing to the crisp finish.
Fess Parker, Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2015, USA (£14.50, thewinesociety. com): A food-friendly chardonnay from the Golden State, it’s beautifully balanced with tropical fruit aromas that mingle with pineapple. The lively apple and citrus fruits are gently supported by oak.
Extra Special Viognier 2015, France (£5, Asda): A fragrant alternative to sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, this soft, peachy viognier from the Languedoc achieves a lovely balance of bright fruits and a soft texture with honeysuckle and peach aromas.
REDS TO FLAG
TURKEY plays a major role and is a traditional holiday favourite, but if you’re not quite ready for a large bird, a roast chicken dinner with sweet potatoes will taste just as good.
Exquisite Collection Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand (£6.99, Aldi): A poised pinot with floral aromatics and a silky palate of cherries, raspberries and plums, there’s an underlying minerality to the fragrant red fruits with gentle tannins on the fresh finish.
Apothic Red 2014, California, USA (currently £7 from £9 until November 27, Morrisons): A real smoothie, this blend of zinfadel (aka primitivo), merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon delivers a fruity bomb that’s extremely satisfying.
Ed Meades Zinfandel 2013, Mendocino County, California, USA (£17.95, winedirect.co.uk): Displaying wild berry flavours, layers of herbs and baking spice, dark chocolate and soft vanilla oak on the finish, the splash of petite sirah (durif ) and syrah adds depth and character to a wine that will see you well into the night.