Time to Discuss Holiday Wines

Cafe Society
1

Yes, wines, not whines. Holiday whines would be best served in MPSIMS or the Pit. But as the Thanksgiving is less than a week away, it’s time to dust off the labels and decide what to serve with the bird (or whatever you’re having).

I made a trip to my favorite wine shop yesterday, the Cork and Bottle, where they had a nice tasting set up for Thanksgiving pairings: a California Chardonnay, a pair of French Rosés, a Beaujolais and a Pinot Noir.

The Chardonnay was a Russian Valley Chardonnay by Olivet Lane Estates. It was a bit more acid than I’d prefer with a bird, but might mellow out after decanting. But I am not a huge Chardonnay fan anyway, so decided to stay away from this one.

The first Rosé was a Chateau Grande Cassagne 2001, which was not overly dry and had just a hint of cranberries. I tasted it with a special cranberry Wensleydale, and thought that this wine was very accessible and just cried out “Thanksgiving”. Somewhat ironic in a French wine, but what the hell, I bought a couple of bottles.

The second was from Chateau de Valcombe, if memory serves correctly, and although it was also interesting I thought it might be a better wine in the future.

The Beaujolias was Georges de Bouef

The Pinot Noir was from California, again from Olivet Lane Estate
in the Russian River valley, a 1999.

Not bad, but still not what I was looking for. So I inquired about some Syrah/Shiraz, and took back several bottles. The Petite Syrah which I intend to have as a second, bolder option for Thanksgiving will be a 2002 Petite Rousse from Clos Mimi. Here’s one description:

I also grabbed a bottle of 2001 d’Arenberg McLaren Vale Shiraz (The Footbolt) and a bottle of Paringa 2002 Shiraz.

So, what’s on your wine list for the holidays? Any recos?

2

I like a nice auslese with turkey. That’s my recommendation. :slight_smile:

But what I really wanted to say was that one Thanksgiving my dad (a near-teetotaler) went out to buy the wine for the occasion.

What did he come back with? MD 20/20. I kid you not.

I told him that I’d take the Mad Dog and then made a quick trip to the liquor store to get something that wouldn’t result in snickers from the rellies.

3

Well, I suppose one could drink an auslese with turkey, although I’d personally save it for dessert. It would be better than the Mogen David your dad was trying to push on you. You should have decanted the MD and served it with the meal. It would have been fun to watch everybody get wasted.