Cross posted from The Stars Hollow Gazette
Republished from November 24, 2010 for obvious timely reasons.
Now that we are done with cooking directions for the big day, time to pick the beverage that will not just accompany this spectacular meal but compliment the main course, the sides and deserts.
My usual choices for the wine is to have choices, serving both reds and whites. Cabernets and Sauvignon Blanc can be respectively too heavy and too acidic while the Chardonnays can be too oaky.
Don’t be afraid to ask the your wine merchant for suggestions. There are many very fine wines for those on a budget. Here are some of my suggestions:
Beaujolais Nouveau is the “first wine of the harvest” and the 2010 has just been released, This is a very “young” wine that spends little time in the cask between picking and bottling. It is traditionally released on November 21 with great fan fare among wine around the world. It is light and fruity, should be served chilled. It goes well with not just the turkey but everything from the appetizer cheese course to sweet potatoes and dressing to that pesky once a year veggie, Brussel Sprouts, not an easy feat. It is also inexpensive at less than $10 a bottle, the magnum is usually even more economical.
Pinot Noir is another good choice but not easy to find one that has some flavor and can be a little “pricey”, although there good ones in the $10 range.
For the whites there are two that I choose from Pinot Grigio or a slightly sweeter Riesling.
Pinot Grigio or Pinto Gris is a young fruity wine and depending on the region can be full bodied and “floral” to lighter, “spritszy” and a little acidic. I suggest the former and fond that the Pinot from Barefoot Cellars fits the bill and the pocketbook.
Riesling can be found in the German section and look for a Gewurztraminer or a slightly sweeter Spätlese.
The there is beer for those who prefer some foam and fizz. These are the suggestions from the Brewers Association:
* Traditional Turkey – Amber ale or a lager like Oktoberfest, brown ale or a strong golden ale like triple
* Smoked Turkey – a hoppy brown ale, Scotch ale or porter
* Pumpkin pie – Spiced ale, winter warmer or old ale