Step away from the cabernet. That’s right, just walk away. The last thing you want for Thanksgiving or any traditional holiday dinner is tannins, and cabernet, merlot - Bordeaux reds in general - are the kings of tannins.
Take it from me; I’m a serious wine geek, among other things. Hell, I’ve got a two thousand bottle wine cellar right across the hall from my home office. Now that’s discipline! Besides, every manager and business person should know enough about wine to get by.
So, without all the wine-speak that nobody understands, without all the “fruit forward,” “high acidity,” “strawberries and cherries on the nose” BS, here’s what you should be drinking along with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner:
Beaujolais Nouveau. You probably didn’t know this, but wineries all over the northern hemisphere were harvesting not too long ago, and this varietal - made from the Gamay grape - is the first press made especially for the holidays. Just go into a wine shop or supermarket with a good wine selection and ask for it. $10 - $12 tops. Serve around 55 degrees.
Pinot Noir. If you’ve got to have a mainstream red, this is the one. Always fine with birds and rich accompaniments. But for God’s sake, get a light one that’s meant to be drunk young, if you can. Over-the-top super fruit forward Pinot’s can overpower the meal. Calera Central Coast, Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County, or Saintsbury Garnet are great examples of low-cost Pinot Noirs that are great for the holidays.
Dry Rosé. One of my favorites - especially in summer - this is pretty much the last chance to enjoy it before the weather turns cold on us. Serve chilled like you would a white wine. Americans are just starting to wake up to this gem, but folks in France and Italy have been drinking it for centuries. Just ask your local wine shop for a good one, but Etude, Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare, Unti, and Sola Rosa are California favorites.
Brut Rosé or Blanc de Noir champagne or sparkling wine. Roederer Estate is my favorite California sparkling wine maker.
As for the whites, the rule is little or no oak:
Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris. Same grape. Perfect white wine for the holidays. Mostly from Italy or France, but Luna, Etude, and lots of wineries in Oregon make great American versions.
Dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Try Lazy Creek from Anderson Valley, if you can find it.
Unoaked Chardonnay. If you must have a “mainstream” white, make sure it’s an unoaked chardonnay or one with relatively little oak. The central coast of California - Monterey and Santa Barbara counties - is famous for this style. Chalone, Calera, Qupe, and Au Bon Climat are great examples from that region.
Lastly, if you’re spending beacoup bucks for your Thanksgiving wine, then you’re just not getting it. None of these wines should be overly pricy, and if they are, you’re doing something wrong.
In any case, whatever you eat or drink, don’t forget what Thanksgiving’s all about: be thankful for what you’ve got. Happy Thanksgiving from The Corner Office. Have fun - Be happy - Be safe!
