THANKSGIVING PAIRINGS
Three wines that will work well with turkey
Thanksgiving is a time for looking back at the summer that was. While the original focus was on giving thanks for the fall harvest, now, for most of us, it’s about family get-togethers. At least in Canada. In the United States the extended November break seems to be overshadowed by shopping.
One thing is for sure on either side of the border. A big meal will be served. Chances are good it will involve a turkey, so here are three wines that will work well with a beautifully cooked bird. Or, if you’re like me, a somewhat overcooked gobbler. Sigh.
Happy Thanksgiving.
WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS 2017 PINOT GRIS OKANAGAN VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Kruger family started its wine adventure in 1983 when Adolf Kruger bought land east of Okanagan Falls. They sold their grapes to other wineries until 1990, when Wild Goose Vineyards was incorporated as the 17th winery in British Columbia, and the first “farmgate” winery, a designation created for very small estate wineries.
Now into its third generation, Wild Goose is led by brothers Hagen (winemaker and viticulturalist) and Roland Kruger (general manager). Nikolas, Hagen’s son, is assistant winemaker.
Riesling and Gewurztraminer were the first wines planted by Adolf Kruger, and they are standouts in the province today. This award-winning Pinot Gris has also been a strong performer. Off-dry and filled with fresh flavours such as pear, white blossom, honey, apricot and vanilla spice, it boasts a bright, soft acid and long lingering finish.
Price: About $23. Look for it at the Creekside and Crowfoot locations of Co-op Wines Spirits Beer, Highlander Wine and Spirits in Seton and Craft Cellars. Drink: Now. The acid in the wine would hold up well with turkey, or apple pie, white-fleshed fish or a creamy pasta. Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alc./vol.
LE SOULANON-VINTAGE LA MACERATION DU SOULA NO. 15 FENOUILLÈ DES, FRANCE
The wines of Le Soula come from high-elevation vineyards in the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates France from Spain.
Started in 2001, the winery was launched by Gerard Gauby and wine importers Roy Richards and Mark Walford. Pesticides and treatments have never been used at Le Soula, which sought organic certification about 10 years ago.
The winery produces two reds and two whites, plus this rarity, an orange wine. How perfect for Halloween season! A blend of the white grapes Vermentino (68 per cent) and Macabeu, the juice spent 15 days mixed with the skins and stems after harvest. This process, uncommon for white wines, gives the liquid its orange colour while bumping up the body and adding a tannic touch, like a lighter red wine. While the palate feels a bit like a red wine, the flavours are more typical of a white. Look for notes of baked grapefruit, tangerine, nectarine, peach, baked pear and spice.
Price: About $26. Look for it at J. Webb Wine Merchant, Kensington Wine Market, Liquor Lane, Metrovino and Vine Styles.
Drink: Now. The flavours in this wine would work very well with turkey, and also complement pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes. Pork or salmon would also be good pairings. Cork; 14.5 per cent alc./vol.
DOMAINE CHANDON NON-VINTAGE SPARKLING ROSÉ, CALIFORNIA
In 1973, history was made when Moet and Chandon became the first French Champagne house to come to California. It created M & H Vineyard in Carneros, south of Napa Valley, on land purchased at the bargain basement price of US$74 an acre.
Prices in the area have gone up a bit since then. In 2016, vineyard land in the region was selling for US$120,000 to US$270,000 an acre.
Marking its 45th anniversary, the winery, which was named Domaine Chandon in 1976, offers tasty sparkling and still wines at reasonable prices — even when you consider the nasty exchange rate these days.
Looking to offer California sunshine in a glass, this non-vintage blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is lively and refreshing, with notes of watermelon, strawberry, mandarin orange, cherry, lemon and spice. The bubbles are soft and the acid refreshing.
Price: About $34. Look for it at Cap Liquor, Co-op Wines Spirits Beer, 4th Street Liquor Store and Wine Cellar, 5 Vines Wine, Craft Beer and Spirits, Highlander Wine and Spirits, Liquor Depot, Mission Wine and Liquor Merchants, Willow Park Wines & Spirits.
Drink: Now. A great way to start a Thanksgiving gathering, this wine is a great aperitif, or would hold up well with turkey, ham, sweet potatoes and more. Cork; 13 per cent alc./vol. Contact Darren Oleksyn at dm.oleksyn@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter: @doleksyn. Looking for a specific wine mentioned here? Because wine inventories are always in flux, it’s a good idea to call the store before you go. Liquorconnect. com can give you an idea of stores that have carried the wines.