The Wandering Blonde Wine O

Trying to stay fit? Really killing it at the gym lately? I’ve got bad news for you, you’re going to have to take a day off so you can stuff your face with all the goodness that is Thanksgiving food. It’s OK, I’m sure if you are someone who still goes to department stores on Black Friday you’ll burn some calories for sure!

I love Thanksgiving. Every single thing about it. Family getting together, football, two dinners (yes, that’s what happens when your parents and the in-laws live 10 mins apart) and the wine!

This year I have a nice selection of wines. Two reds and two whites for my parents house and a great wine that my father in law will love (a Spanish organic Chardonnay)! I don’t follow the rule of white with white meat and red with beef. I think it really is a personal thing. Thankfully, my family has embraced my wine choices for the holidays.  I have white wine to please the white wine fans and red to please me!

We will serve some Cava during cocktail hour. A little bubbly always makes it special. For dinner this year we will be serving A to Z Pinot Gris ($10) and Muirwood Chardonnay ($14). Both will be spectacular with the Thanksgiving fare. As for the reds we have Double Black Zinfandel ($13)  and Atrium Malbec ($13) from the Cahors region in France.

My go to white wines are generally Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer. This year I’ve gone with the medium bodied chard with a bit of oak and some tropical fruit. Muirwood Chardonnay is a good pair with stuffing. A to Z Pinot Gris compliments the turkey and the other sides with hints of honeysuckle, cinnamon and ginger while staying smooth with balanced acidity.

Zinfandel is my new favorite red for Thanksgiving. Tastes of plum, cranberry, and black pepper followed by smooth tannins go well with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. I just love pairing zin with Thanksgiving dinner. French Malbec is perfect for the heaviness of the meal (trust me, this is important when you have two meals to get through). It’s a Bordeaux grape but not as heavy as others, such as Cabernet. Tobacco, dark fruit and spice all add a nice touch to the meal.

It’s ok to stray away from the commonly recommended wines – Pinot Noir and a lighter white wine with maybe some subtle sweetness like a Vouvrey.

My suggestion is to try something different and new. Change it up a bit and enjoy the marriage of your wine and the wonderful Thanksgiving fare.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

All the above wines were purchased at Total Wine & More, but can be purchased at Montgomery County Stores.