A Guide to Thanksgiving Wines: What To Bring To Dinner

Thanksgiving is almost here and if you are anything like us, you will want lots of booze to get through the holiday and that one relative that asks for the millionth time when you are getting your life together. So we linked up with Oscar Garcia, Wine and Spirits Director at 67 Wine & Spirits and got his expert take on all things wine for Thanksgiving for gifts, pairing and mere survival.

Guide to Thanksgiving Wines

For this holiday, Garcia says you can’t go wrong with a nicely aged red Burgundy, Bordeaux, California blends, Oregon Pinot Noirs or  California Zinfandel. But with the current, ever-evolving wine culture, it’s probably the most exciting time to for food & wine pairings. The old rules that people used to adhere for Thanksgiving pairings are pretty much dead.

“Forget the ‘Zinfandel and Turkey’ pairing and instead go for a nice Chateaneuf Du Pape, like Clos Du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape 2014,” suggests Garcia. “It has a beautiful perfume of red berries, sour cherries and rose petals with crushed white pepper and a lively acidity on the palate. Lengthy finish with savory notes of Herbs de Provence.  Perfect pairing for all those traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.

Bottles to Impress

Taittinger Comtes Blanc de Blancs 2006

When in “doubt” and if you need to impress your guests, grab a bottle of vintage champagne, like Taittinger Comtes Blanc de Blancs 2006. “Champagne evokes luxury and a sentiment of refinement,” says Garcia. “No Thanksgiving celebrations should be without a nice bottle – or bottles – of Champagne.”

For Wine Snobs

Domaine Dominique Mugneret Cuvee Alliance des Terriors vosne Romanee 2012

Finding a bottle of wine for the wine snob is always a bit tricky. “You have your wine geek snob, your 100-points snob or your  first growth bordeaux snob,” jokes Garcia. “So many different types!” Do your homework first, try to find out what type of snobbery you are dealing with first. I recommend to keep it “Classy” a great bottle of Burgundy like Domaine Dominique Mugneret Cuvee Alliance des Terroirs Vosne Romanee 2012 always does the trick.”

Ballin’ On A Budget

Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rioja

“If you need to get through a Thanksgiving gathering on a budget, trust me and go for Spain,” Garcia says. “The variety available for Spanish wines in the market – a youthful and energetic Tempranillo from Rioja, Grenache (Garnacha) from Aragon, or nice Mencia from Galicia – is incredible and you are sure to find plenty of choices to satisfy all your guests. All of these wines provide incredible value and superb drinkability.”

Sweet Endings

Laurent Perrier Demi Sec Champagne

“I often get asked what wine to bring for dessert or to pair with a pumpkin pie,” explains Garcia. “I say, forget the old rules! A wide range of dessert wines will do just fine: Tawny port, Beaumes de Venise, Demi Sec Champagne, Ice Cider, Sauternes, or nice Pedro Ximenez Sherry.”

His pick? Laurent Perrier Demi Sec Champagne. “Bubbles are great to balance the sweetness and spices found in Pumpkin pie. A demi sec champagne has enough sweetness to compliment any dessert.”

67 Wine & Spirits is located at 179 Columbus Ave., 212-724-6767, www.67wine.com

Our Best Stories Delivered Daily



Leave a Comment

Start typing and press Enter to search

Aperitivi Menu at Bar FioriMiracle on Ninth St Holiday Cocktail Pop Up