Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner is a grazer’s dream but a challenge in terms of figuring out what wine to serve. Plus, from Mom’s marshmallow topped sweet potatoes, to Grandma’s stuffing to Dad’s turkey it’s loaded with tradition. If you’re tasked with bringing the wine, these factors can make it somewhat intimidating.

The right Thanksgiving wines will work well with a wide array of flavors and textures but won’t overwhelm the dishes. It also pays to seek out wines that aren’t too tannic or too high in alcohol. The wine selection can become a tradition as well. Bring the next vintage of the same wines each year. If you make it a tradition, it has to be consistently well-made wine to which everyone welcomes. Most importantly, Thanksgiving is a celebration, a time for fun and bringing people together – so have fun with your wine choices, but plan what you want to bring so you’re not scrambling last minute at the wine shop. I won’t tell you how many bottles my family went through last year for fear of cautionary letters of concern, but suffice it to say, I’m glad we planned ahead.

Riesling

I sincerely hope the days of poorly misunderstood Riesling’s bad rap are over. The high acidity is perfect for cutting through an item’s richness while the light body doesn’t overwhelm the dish. A slightly off-dry version makes it nearly universally pleasing. If you haven’t added a quality Riesling to your must-haves list, I implore you try it.

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Riesling Semi-Dry, 2008, Finger Lakes, NY ($15)

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Riesling, 2007, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($11)

Pinot Noir

Another favorite go-to wine for Thanksgiving is Pinot Noir, again for its amenable style. Save medium-bodied, elegant versions for the dinner table and drink heavier, fruit-forward types as an aperitif.

-MacMurray Ranch, Pinot Noir, 2007, Sonoma Coast, CA ($24)

-Girasole Vineyards, Pinot Noir, 2008, Mendocino, CA ($11)

Zinfandel

The Classic red wine to have with Thanksgiving Dinner is a Zinfandel. Although potentially Croatian by origin, Zinfandel has become a distinctly American grape appropriate for this quintessential American holiday. This is a rich, zesty, peppery red wine, not to be confused with White Zinfandel. Make sure the wine isn’t too high in alcohol, which is often the case with Zins from California.

Rancho Zabaco, Reserve Zinfandel, 2007, Dry Creek Valley, CA ($24)

Ridge, Pagani Ranch Zinfandel, 2007, Sonoma Valley, CA ($30)

Cabernet Sauvignon

While not inexpensive, a Cabernet Sauvignon with a few years of age (if not more) can be a wonderful wine to add as a holiday tradition. Its tannins have somewhat mellowed out while the rich flavors and structure still shine. These are “special occasion” wines that truly celebrate the generosity of the holiday.

Louis M. Martini, Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, Sonoma Valley, CA ($85)

Robert Keenan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004, Napa Valley, CA ($45)

K Vintners "Milbrandt" Wahluke Slope Syrah - The Robert Pattinson of Wine

SwirlSavvy has jumped on the New Moon bandwagon all in the name of an unbeatable Syrah. Drinking the K Vintners Milbrandt Wahluke Slope Syrah from Columbia Valley, Washington immediately brought teen (and admittedly, grown-up) heartthrob Robert Pattison ("RobPat" for those who think Perez Hilton should be required reading) of the Twilight movie series to mind.

Like the latest "It Boy," the K Vintners Syrah has a dark, spicy side that Robert's smoldering eyes seem to echo. Pattison seems to keep the mystery quotient high as does the Syrah with its layers of tobacco and dark fruit in a smooth, refined manner which is what can be expected from this highly acclaimed corner of Washington, which coincidentally, is where Robert's brooding vampire clan resides. But no vampire legend here - this $25 Syrah easily passes for $37 bottle, good enough to dig your fangs into.

The Wine Cube - An Adorable Boxed Wine?

I'm slightly embarrassed to even write this, but I found a wine that can only be described as "adorable." The Wine Cube, a collaboration between Target and Trinchero Estates, is the most adorable boxed wine in its 1.5L version. And yes, that's the first time and last time I use the word "adorable" to describe a wine - but it just is...hear me out! The Chardonnay is housed in a 5"X5.5" sunny yellow cube and fits snugly into any open space in your refrigerator. Boxed wine has received a ton of press from the wine trade in the last two years. Wine Spectator even bowed its head recently and did a feature on it, incidentally, they rated the Wine Cube Chardonnay the best boxed white wine from the US.

But are consumers ready to accept a boxed wine? Even if you are the most open minded consumer willing to try out these boxed, spouted wines, it may still be a habit kept well hidden from anyone but your significant other and mom. But that's where the Wine Cube comes in. Not only is the Chardonnay highly drinkable, it's actually designed chic enough to pull out in front of guests at a party. You'll all marvel at Target's usual superior marketing and design strength wondering when Wal-Mart is going to catch on. While you're chatting, you'll enjoy a medium-bodied, lovely Chardonnay that is quaffable and bursts with Granny Smith apple flavors. The 1.5L box holds the equivalent of 2 bottles, but don't fret if you can't finish it within one evening. The Wine Cube claims to hold its own for one full month. And at about $10, that's one claim I'm willing to test.

Perfect Spring Wine Picks

Usher in spring with Chile's best Sauvignon Blancs (more of Swirl Savvy's writing from TastingTable.com)

With the trees budding and air warming up for spring, we're finally ready to put away those big winter reds and bring out the crisp summer whites. In the past, we reached for ubiquitous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but this year we're smitten with Chile's take on the same grape.

Although Chile has been producing Sauvignon Blanc for years, the country has only recently produced wine that fulfills the grape's potential. The best picks come from a trio of up-and-coming regions--Leyda, Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley--where cool climates and long ripening times result in wines that aren't as bracingly acidic as their Kiwi counterparts. If a comparison must be made, these Chilean versions express a finesse and minerality similar to France's Sancerre. However, Chile's low production costs keep prices down, making the country one of the best sources of Sauvignon Blanc values in the world.

Keep these bottles in mind for pairing with spring's first crops of vegetables:

2006 Kingston Cariblanco Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc ($15) In addition to its bright citrus flavors and crisp acidity, this wine offers minerality and a silky texture (oceanwineandspirits.com).

2006 Matetic EQ San Antonio Sauvignon Blanc ($16) Warm nectarine notes and a welcome hint of smoke intensify on the palate and makes this a perfect alfresco party pick (wallywine.com).

2008 Casa Lapostolle Rapel Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($8) Tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and banana linger in this soft, value-priced bottle (pjwine.com).

2008 Montes Limited Selection Leyda Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($12) Intensely aromatic, this wine's aromas of clean linen (seriously) are followed by racy acidity and lemon-lime flavors; try it with ceviche (hitimewine.com).

5 Wines to Order on a Date

If you want to impress your date or appear sophisticated, here are some "big date" worthy wine choices:

1. If you want a white want – try something more sophisticated than a Pinot Grigio - Next time, try a Sauvignon Blanc from either New Zealand or, to be really chic, from Chile. Chile’s just coming onto the scene for Sauv Blancs. Great value choices include – Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. OR Casa Lapostolle Sauv Blanc from Chile.
   
2. A spicy, smoky and sexy wine - like Syrah or Shiraz (which are the same grape but will taste different based on where they're from). Try the Green Point Shiraz Or Layer Cake Shiraz – both from Australia. For a really impressive Syrah – try any of the Syrahs from Terlato which run from $30 to $55. Their Angel’s Peak is my favorite. This is a perfect one to have at home to really impress.
3. A big, bold brawny red – a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina is the ultimate budget-friendly “muscular” wine to offer your date. Ladies - don't have a guy over and only be able to offer him Prosecco...
   
4. A bottle of Champagne -You can get great value in Champagne with high quality by looking for what’s called a “Grower Champagne”. Look for the initials “RM” on label vs. “NM” (which are the big brands)
5. Stock your home with a wine with a story! If you want to expose your adventurous side, have a bottle on-hand from a place you've traveled to. Tales of adventures in faraway lands are sure to make your date inch just a bit closer...

Top 5 Wines Perfect for a Party

1. Campo Viejo Reserva 2004 Tempranillo, Rioja Spain $13 -smooth red fruit and a hint of black smoke amps up the sultry factor http://www.argonautliquor.com/r/products/bodegas-campo-viejo-reserva-2004/?utm_source=google;utm_medium=base

2. Crios, Torrontes, 2007, Salta, Argentina $12 - tastes like a cross between perfumey Viognier and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Sure to please many palates.
http://www.napacabs.com/Crios-De-Susana-Balbo-2008-Torrontes-Salta-Argentina-P3977.aspx

3. Robert John Cava, NV, Spain $14 - kick start the party with some (affordable!) bubbly
www.franklywines.com

4. Clos de Beauregard Muscadet 2007, Loire, France $11 - crisp, clean white you drink all night long
www.franklywines.com

5. Los Vascos, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, Chile - $8 - the best values in red are Cabs from Chile and this is a well-made, super deal. Enough said.
http://www.astorwines.com/SearchResultsSingle.aspx?p=1&search=54434&searchtype=Contains