With Thanksgiving being such a food focused holiday, you are going to hear a lot of different opinions on what wines to pair with your Turkey and various trimmings. The truth is they are all probably right! There are few bad pairings for this meal since there are so many variables involved. However when it comes down to the basics the three most simple and effective wine pairings for your basted bird are Riesling, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. There are a lot of reasons for this, but the most important is the weight and the natural acidity of these wines play off Turkey quite well allowing the food and wine to enhance one another. Since the Holiday craze seemed to start a little early this year, I’m guessing that you have about as much time to read this as I do to write it. So to keep it short and sweet I thought I would just offer a list of some delectable and accesible wines for your holiday feast.

RIESLING

Dr. Loosen Dr. L Estate QbA 2011 Mosel, Germany (Under $15)

Eroica 2011 Riesling, Columbia Valley, Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen ($16-29)

Dr. Pauly Bergwelier Bernkastler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Spatlese 2011 ($30 and up)

PINOT NOIR

Castle Rock Sonoma Pinot Noir 2009 (Under $15)

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009 Chanson Pere et Fils ($16-29)

Etude 2009 Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros ($30 and up… this will be on my table!)

ZINFANDEL

Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel 2010 (Under $15)

Terra d’Ora Zinfandel 2009 Amador County ($16-29…again, on my table!)

Turley Pesenti Vineyard Zinfandel 2010 Paso Robles (Just named in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2012!)

And the Double Secret Probation Westchester Wine Guy Surprise Thanksgiving Wine is…
Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2009 South Australia…Since there are some newer vintages of this wine out you can find it for around $35 instead of the $60 retail price…great deal! And Syrah/Shiraz is definitely a classic Thanksgiving pairing too.

Lastly, the most important thing is to drink what you like as that will really enhance the enjoyment of your Thanksgiving meal.

Cheers….and have a Happy Thanksgiving!