THANKSGIVING WINES

ATLANTA-The great feast that launches the holiday season showcases many aromas and tastes, a great part of what makes Thanksgiving dinner truly American. Wines have a big place in this dining equation, and, there’s no reason for unusual expense or risky experimentation.

The best way to assure satisfaction with your wine choices is to offer variety. That way, there is a suitable selection for everyone and you have successfully covered all preferences that can reasonably be anticipated.

Here are some recommendations.

RIESLING

One of the most versatile white wines produced from the noble grape. Forget the “too sweet” myth: Riesling can be bone dry or gently sweet. Look to Germany, Washington State or New York’s Finger Lakes for worthy bottles.

SPARKLING WINE

This can be anything from Champagne to domestic sparkling wine. They are all over the wine stores this time of year. Aim cheap and someone is going to feel terrible the next day. Cava from Spain, Prosecco from Italy, Cremant from France or even a wonderful bottle of Gruet from New Mexico will be well-received by everyone. And what would make a better aperitif, anyway?

BEAUJOLAIS

Not that overpriced Nouveau party wine that floods the market each holiday season, but the real thing. Perhaps our most versatile all-purpose red wine, everything on the dinner table will likely pair very well with this. Look for Beaujolais Villages, or even better, one of the Cru Beaujolais like Brouilly, Morgon, Fleurie or Moulin-à-Vent.

For those in the Atlanta region, the best bear the J.Sanders label, carried exclusively by Sherlock’s in Marietta, Buckhead and Decatur. Jim Sanders was Georgia’s first and most important wine retailer and his legacy remains in each bottle bearing his name.

Beaujolais is readily available at Whole Foods and retail wine stores everywhere and it’s always affordable..

 

ROSÉ

Whether from Provence, Napa or Oregon, Rosé deserves to be served for Thanksgiving.. Margerum Riviera Rosé or Acrobat Rosé burst with flavor and aromas, balanced with moderate alcohol. Food friendliness is a given.

Having these opened and ready to pour according to what guests prefer is a festive alternative to offering a jug of weird red and white wine. For just a little more, you enhance the quality of the feast, making this a memorable Thanksgiving