Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Wine is a big part of the menu for Thanksgivi­ng

- LORRI HAMBUCHEN Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London’s Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email: uncorked@thewinecen­ter.com

By now most likely your Thanksgivi­ng menu is in place. Don’t let the wine be an afterthoug­ht. From formal, sit-down affairs and casual buffets to a spread of family classics the right wine will make your meal even more special.

The Congenial Wine. Pinot Noir is a natural fit for the Thanksgivi­ng table with its light bodied style enjoyed by white and red drinkers. It also offers a subtle elegance with foods rather than a powering fruit bomb many red wines exhibit.

THE VALUE

2016 Aime Boucher Pinot Noir, France (about $14 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2016 Adelsheim Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $29 retail)

The Safe Wine. With its ability to play well with the clashing flavors and textures on most Thanksgivi­ng menus, Riesling could possibly be the wine world’s most versatile wine. Most Thanksgivi­ng menus are a hodgepodge of dishes — making a dry Riesling a safe bet. If the Riesling is from almost any vineyard outside of Germany, the label is easily deciphered with the style being stated. If you are looking for the traditiona­l German Riesling keep in mind the styles will range drasticall­y from “Kabinett” being the driest and “Auslese” the sweetest.

THE VALUE

2016 Snoqualmie Naked Riesling, Washington (about $14 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2016 Hugel Alsace Riesling, France (about $28 retail)

The Paramount Wine. If there is ever a time to head to your cellar and dust off the cobwebs from your collection it is during the holidays. If you happen to have an aging Burgundy tucked away, this is a well-deserving occasion to savor your cellaring patience. Aged pinot noir complement­s the Thanksgivi­ng menu with its earthy flavors and integrated tannin structure and acidity. If you don’t have the dusty cellar at hand, there are many Burgundy wines at your local wine retailer that are just as impressive and well worth the price.

THE VALUE

2016 Dubois Red Burgundy, France (about $22 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2015 Nicolas Potel Santenay Clos Rousseau, France (about $55 retail)

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