Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when people who do not normally drink wine, have at least one glass with their traditional Thanksgiving Feast. If you are going to have a glass of wine only once per year, make it a good one, since it is a long time between now and the next Thanksgiving Dinner!  It is always difficult to select the perfect wine for this occasion, because the table offers such an array of aromas and flavors, but there are a few guidelines which will make this dinner more memorable than ever.

Here are a few suggestions for the standard Thanksgiving Dinner. If you like Chardonnay, choose one which is not bone dry, but rather one with a strong fruit presence. This will serve well with the white meat turkey, which can sometimes be a little on the dry side. Sauvignon Blanc is also a good choice if you like dry white wine with your meal. If you like red wine with your meal, choose a lighter style Pinot Noir, or one of the softer Merlots. For myself, I always go for a German Riesling, or one of the good domestic ones from New York State, or Washington State. The fruity, but dry finish of a good Riesling is perfect for that dry white meat turkey, which did not turn out as juicy as you had hoped for. Italian Pinot Grigio would also be a good choice for the same reason.

There is only one rule to adhere to: “The best wine to serve is the one which you like best.” However, be prepared to have something different for those whose tastes may differ from yours. Also, please don’t forget to consume large quantities of water with the feast, as it compliments both the food and the wine, and aids in digestion.

Below is a list of wines which would be good choices for your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Robert Mondavi Napa Chardonnay (California)
Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay (California)
Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc (Washington State)
St. Supery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California)
Leonard Kreusch Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese (Germany)
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling (Washington State)
Kris Pinot Grigio (Italy)
King Estate Pinot Gris (Oregon)
La Crema Los Carneros Pinot Noir (California)
Marques de Casa Concha Merlot (Chile)

I hope each and every one of you has a happy and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

By: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net