Thanksgiving is the perfect time to appreciate family, express gratitude, and indulge in a mouth-watering feast. As we gather around the table filled with delectable dishes, choosing the right wines can elevate our dining experience and complement the diverse flavors of this traditional celebration. In this article, we will explore an array of wine recommendations with our partner <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/">Grapes The Wine Company</a>. that will perfectly accompany your Thanksgiving spread, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience for all.

&nbsp;

1. Dry Whites: Adding Freshness and Zest

When it comes to white wines, aim for dry selections with vibrant acidity to counterbalance rich and savory dishes. Here are three distinct white wine recommendations:

a) Sauvignon Blanc: With its herbaceous aroma and zesty citrus notes, Sauvignon Blanc&#39;s refreshing qualities make it an excellent choice when paired with roasted turkey or herb-infused stuffing.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Honig-Sauvignon-Blanc-Napa-Valley-2022-w2830476i4">Honig - Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2022</a>- $19.99

Bright, inviting floral, pear and citrus aromas lead to a lively and harmonious palate. Resplendent with jasmine and citrus notes that range from grapefruit to lemongrass and kafir lime, delightfully nuanced by tropical notes, this wine delivers quintessential Honig sauvignon blanc style.&nbsp;

b) Chardonnay: Opt for unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays to avoid overwhelming delicate flavors. The wine&#39;s apple and pear notes offer a beautiful synergy with roasted butternut squash or creamed corn.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Albert-Bichot-Macon-Villages-2021-w5059396ma">Albert Bichot - M&acirc;con-Villages 2021</a> - $18.99

Since 1350, the Bichot family has called Burgundy home. But, it was in 1831 that Bernard Bichot founded a merchant house bearing his name in Month&eacute;lie, a couple of kilometers south of Beaune. At the end of the 19th century, his grandson Albert Bichot took the family business into a new direction and created the winery, Maison Albert Bichot as we know it. The family heritage has been perpetuated from father to son since then. The family crest, consisting of a deer and antlers, has been synonymous with the winery since its inception.

Since 1996, Alb&eacute;ric Bichot has represented the 6th generation managing the winery. The winery&rsquo;s mission is to utilize the best fruit possible to create the best wine and best expression of terroir.

c) Riesling: For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, a well-balanced Riesling can harmonize with cured meats like honey-glazed ham while cutting through the richness.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Peter-Lauer-Barrel-X-Alt-Scheidt-Riesling-2022-w7848119ip">Peter Lauer - Barrel X Alt Scheidt Riesling 2022</a> - $19.99

&ldquo;Barrel X&rdquo; is winemaker Florian Lauer&rsquo;s Platonic ideal of what a slightly off-dry (feinherb) Saar Riesling should be. If we were in Burgundy, this would be the equivalent of a &ldquo;Bourgogne Blanc.&rdquo; As an appellation-level wine, it is sourced from multiple vineyards in four different villages of the Saar: Ayl (Lauer&rsquo;s home village), Saarburg, Wawern and Wiltingen. Florian says, &ldquo;From Ayl and Wawern, the wine gains the fruit and power, from Saarburg the racy acidity, and from Wiltingen, the spice.&rdquo;

Regardless of what comes from where, this much is certain: dollar for dollar, I&rsquo;m not sure there is a 750ml bottle that delivers as much joy and zing. This is the gateway drug to Lauer, to the Saar, to Riesling&hellip; be careful. Very addictive.

2. Elegant Reds: Complementing Hearty Classics

Red wines often take center stage during festive meals, especially as they pair wonderfully with heartier dishes. Consider the following red wines:

a) Pinot Noir: Known for its versatility, Pinot Noir&#39;s medium body offers bright red fruit flavors that match beautifully with roasted turkey or cranberry sauce.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Compton-Family-Pinot-Noir-2022-w244450821">Compton Family - Pinot Noir 2022</a> - $26.99

Enticing aromas of red cherry, red berry, and forest floor. Elegant mouth feel, with waves of dark red fruit accents and hints of cacao. Lovely lingering flavors make for a delightful mouthwatering finish.

Compton Family Description

Compton Family Wines&reg; is a family-owned winery founded in 2003 in Philomath, Oregon, by Matthew and Tabitha Compton with the ethos of producing Oregon wines made with minimal intervention that remain true to the varietal character of the grape. The Comptons practice regenerative agriculture on their homestead and in the local vineyards they manage, which includes minimal handling in the vineyard, dry farming, no tilling, cover crops, and incorporating animals for adaptive grazing. Compton Family Wines&reg; bring true Willamette Valley terroir to your table.

The winery was originally founded as Spindrift Cellars in 2004 but has since changed its name to Compton Family Cellars. The focus now is on Pinot Noir from special vineyards that Matt manages through his West Vine Farms vineyard management company. Besides a farmer, Matt is an experienced winemaker with well over twenty years of experience in the Oregon wine industry. As a result, the Pinot Noir wines have the handprint of an experienced grower and talented winemaker.

b) Zinfandel: A full-bodied and fruity red wine like Zinfandel complements robust and spicy flavors such as smoked sausages or barbecued ribs.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Cline-Zinfandel-Eight-Spur-Dry-Creek-2020-w55891482o">Cline - Zinfandel Eight Spur Dry Creek 2020</a> - $23.99

The Dry Creek Zinfandel vines resemble small trees free standing, low to the ground and spur pruned to eight canes to form well-spaced branches. The resulting low hanging fruit bask in the radiant ground heat, rewarding us with intense flavors of black cherry, black currant, cinnamon and baking spice with a rich, ripe palate. Hope this spurs your senses!

c) Syrah/Shiraz: Rich and intense, Syrah or Shiraz pairs splendidly with roasted root vegetables and savory herb-infused stuffing.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Alain-Graillot-Crozes-Hermitage-2020-w8297107a1">Alain Graillot - Crozes Hermitage 2020</a> - $36.99

&quot;Expressive red and dark berry, smoked meat, olive and floral qualities on the spice-accented nose. Sappy and penetrating on the palate&quot; Josh Raynolds

The late Alain Graillot is well known to wine lovers throughout the world, and was universally regarded as one of the most talented producers not only in the Rh&ocirc;ne, but in the whole of France.

It was in 1985 that the legendary Alain Graillot, who after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac, came back to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year his devotion to the art of making hauntingly delicious Syrah from his organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards, has been rewarded with an ever growing and highly dedicated following around the world. Alain&rsquo;s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, with Alain working closely alongside them. All the work is still completely the same as it ever was: hand-harvesting, organic farming, whole-cluster fermentation, and aging the wines primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels purchased from some of the top estates in Burgundy. In great years, the domaine also makes tiny quantities of a barrel selection knows as &ldquo;La Guiraude,&rdquo; a rare and remarkably complex wine of particular distinction.

The domaine&rsquo;s status as one of the top domaines in all of France is without question and the whole lineup are must-haves for any serious Northern Rhone fan.

d) Beajoulous: Mellow, tart, light, and fruity with acidity, minerality, and gentle tannins. Its flavor includes dark red fruits like strawberries, cherries, and raspberries pairs well with turkey.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Jean-Michel-Dupre-Regnie-Vignes-De-1948-2020-w0503278gh">Jean-Michel Dupre - Regnie Vignes De 1948 2020</a> - $15.99

Jean-Michel Dupre started with next to nothing: only a farm and a two hectare vineyard left by his father. When the question of succession arose, Jean-Michel could not pass on the opportunity to continue the tradition. He converted an old farm building into a winery and went in search of additional well-located plots in Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages, Morgon, and R&eacute;gni&eacute;. What sets him apart from many other winemakers in the region is the age of his vineyard, which has vines on it that are around 100 years old. His wines have an incredible concentration as a result from smaller yields and more expressive fruit. The vines that produce this wine average over seventy years of age and are located in the sandy granitic soils of the 11 acre &quot;Tour Bardon&quot; vineyard.

3. Ros&eacute; All the Way!

Don&#39;t overlook the versatility of a well-selected ros&eacute;. Its light, refreshing profile matches perfectly with various Thanksgiving menu components:

a) Dry Ros&eacute;: Offering a balance between red and white wines, a dry ros&eacute; can cut through fatty flavors like gravy while enhancing the herbs in sage stuffing.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Francois-Chidaine-Touraine-Rose-Val-De-Loire-2022-w3408549dk">Francois Chidaine - Touraine Rose Val De Loire 2022</a> - $15.99

Chidaine&rsquo;s 2022 Ros&eacute; is a blend of Grolleau and Pinot Noir. Bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence, the Ros&eacute; is immediately alluring. The interplay of aromatics, bright minerals and layered fruit makes for a delicious and beguiling Ros&eacute; that is absolutely delicious. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

b) Sparkling Ros&eacute;: For those seeking a festive touch, sparkling ros&eacute; will elevate your Thanksgiving toast as its effervescence provides a delightful contrast to rich dishes or creamy mashed potatoes.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Bisol-Jeio-Prosecco-Rose-Brut-2020-w5345503l0">Bisol - Jeio Prosecco Rose Brut 2020</a>&nbsp; -$14.99

Delicate rose color with fine and persistent perlage. Elegant, complex bouquet on the nose with scents of rose, hints of fresh fruits and lychees. The sip is full, sapid, harmonious, with a well-balanced acidity.

4. Sweet Endings: Dessert Wine Pairings

As our Thanksgiving meal concludes, dessert becomes the star of the show. Pairing desserts with carefully chosen sweet wines enhances their flavors:

a) Late Harvest Riesling: A luscious late-harvest Riesling boasts concentrated fruitiness and honeyed richness that pairs harmoniously with apple pie or caramelized pumpkin desserts.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/JJ-Prum-Graacher-Himmelreich-Riesling-Auslese-GKA-2018-w6515356j4">J.J. Prum - Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese GKA 2018 (375ml)</a> - $41.99

The 2018er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese GK was made from shrivelled rather than botrytized fruit, and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a ripe but still rather backward nose made of honeyed fig, earthy spices, almond paste, and smoky elements. The wine proves gorgeously juicy and fruity on the still rather sweet palate, and leaves a superbly multi-layered feel of almond paste, fig, lemongrass, and spices. A touch of zest comes through in the after-taste and adds to the complex and layered sensation. This remarkably elegant wine only needs patience to absorb its sweetness and reveal its finesse. 2033-2058

94 - Mosel Fine Wine

b) Port: With its rich texture and intense flavors, port wine creates magical pairings with dark chocolate desserts, fruit tarts, or nutty pies on your Thanksgiving table.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Warre-s-Vintage-Port-2000-w1709424vz">Warre&#39;s - Vintage Port 2000</a> - $71.99

This is a classic Cima Corgo wine based on old-vine mixed plantings on either side of the Douro, Cavadinha (north of Pinhao) and Bom Retiro (across the river to the south). The vinhas velhas at these quintas make up 80 percent of the blend, with contributions from tourigas francesa and nacional. This presents the ripe 2000 vingage in luscious and supple roundness, the tannins completely integrated into the fruit, taking the wine in a savory direction of mountain herbs and cool schist. The wine shows Warre&#39;s gentle power, a vintage at its prime, ready to enjoy with after-dinner conversation, it should hold well over the next five to ten years.

5. Considerations for Non-Alcoholic Options

While wine is a popular choice during this festive occasion, it&#39;s essential to cater to non-drinkers or those who prefer non-alcoholic alternatives:

a) Sparkling Water: Chilled sparkling water infused with fresh fruits or herbs offers a sophisticated and refreshing option that complements any dish without overpowering flavors.

b) Mocktails: Get creative with festive mocktails by combining fruity juices, tonic water, ginger ale, and various herbs - an intriguing alternative for both adults and children alike.

As you plan your Thanksgiving feast this year, remember that choosing the right wine can transform an already memorable meal into an extraordinary one. Whether you opt for a dry white to refresh your palate, an elegant red to complement the heartier entrees, or a sweet wine to conclude the evening on a high note, there are numerous options available to suit every taste and dish. Take this opportunity to explore and experiment with new pairings, creating a Thanksgiving experience that will be remembered for years

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to appreciate family, express gratitude, and indulge in a mouth-watering feast. As we gather around the table filled with delectable dishes, choosing the right wines can elevate our dining experience and complement the diverse flavors of this traditional celebration. In this article, we will explore an array of wine recommendations with our partner Grapes The Wine Company. that will perfectly accompany your Thanksgiving spread, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience for all.

Wine Recommendations for a Memorable Thanksgiving Dinner

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Masraff’s

Michaela Quinlan

Catch Steak

Catch Steak

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT:

Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list&rsquo;s because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Catch Steak. Globally inspired seafood and steakhouse with locations in NY, Aspen, LA, and Vegas. This is the place to see and be seen, all while enjoying an exquisite menu with a wine list to match.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Catch continues to update their incredible wine list. What doesn&rsquo;t change, however, is the availability of large format and half bottles. They are always something to consider depending upon the size of your party, and varying palates. We have some unique and exciting old-world and new-world wines to feature today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: &nbsp;We will begin with a visit to both the old world and new world. Let&rsquo;s first consider the Maison Belles Cotes &quot;Les Caillottes&quot; Sancerre, Loire Valley, France, 2019. Sancerre is the region in the Loire and this sauvignon blanc is exquisite. It combines all of the attributes of a dry, crisp white wine with bright acidity, citrus, grapefruit, gooseberry, with a hint of grass and herbs. A wonderful companion to light fish dishes, shellfish, and salads.

RT: That is making me thirsty! How about something from the new world?

MQ: Sure! I had the pleasure of visiting Elk Cove Vineyards a few years ago, and their pinot noir remains one of my favorites. This is the 2019 vintage, pinot noir grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This pinot noir has excellent body and structure. You will certainly notice the classic raspberry and cranberry aromas and flavors, but you will also enjoy the added spice, and long, smooth finish. This would complement roasted chicken, salmon, and tuna.

RT: That is for sure unique.

So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with the Terlato Pinot Grigio, Friuli, 2019. This round, medium-bodied white wine showcases aromas of white flowers, stone fruit, such as fresh peaches and apricots with a light, mineral finish. Seafood, grilled vegetables, cheese selections, would all be perfect pairings with this wine.

RT: These are some great calls.

So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: You bet! I would consider the Renato Ratti &quot;Ochetti&quot; Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy, 2019. A food-friendly, and crowd-pleasing red, this nebbiolo is another stand out with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries, ripe red cherries, plum, tobacco, with a hint of violets on the smooth finish. Any poultry, beef, or richly sauced dishes will make perfect pairings.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

&nbsp;

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind,&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Here we have another personal favorite, a familiar producer to many of you, but a wonderful quality and value wine. The E. Guigal Gigondas, 2015 from the Northern Rhone of France. We have mentioned the importance of location many times, and this is another example. Gigondas is the neighbor to Chateauneuf du Pape. While you get to experience all of the same climate, soil composition for your grenache and syrah blend, you do not need to pay the Chateauneuf du Pape price. This blend is medium to full-bodied with aromas and flavors of cranberries, ripe red cherries, clove, with a note of licorice on the finish. Perfect for herbed dishes, meats, and rich sauces, all for an excellent price.

RT: For me personally&hellip;

&nbsp;

MQ: Absolutely!

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: I couldn&rsquo;t decide between two classics. The first, Orin Swift Mercury Head St Helena 2018 from Napa Valley. This flagship wine consisting of cabernet sauvignon from premier vineyards, along with a touch of cabernet franc and merlot, exudes plumb, ripe red cherries, blackberries, cassis and cinnamon, with some toffee and coffee on the finish. The elegant bottle is viewed by the winery as art and conversation piece, which I&rsquo;m sure you agree when it arrives at the table. A special selection from the best of vineyard locations. A wonderful addition to any celebration.

RT: That does sound like a wonderful addition. I&rsquo;m curious to see what else caught your eye.

MQ: I have to mention the Joseph Phelps Insignia 2016 also from Napa. The finest grapes from each vintage of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, malbec, and cabernet franc are sourced from premier sites in Stags Leap and Oak Knoll districts. Bold tannins, blackberries, dark cherries, cassis, minerality, and coffee all add to the beauty and elegance of this wine. From the first sip, I&rsquo;m sure you will agree with the 99-point rating from the&nbsp; Wine Advocate. Another exceptional addition to any celebration.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Catch Steak&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.com">Info@corkrules.com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End

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Grgich Hills Estate is a family-owned winery located in the Napa Valley of California. Founded in 1977 by Croatian-born winemaker Mike Grgich, the winery is known for producing premium wines using sustainable and organic farming practices.

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CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

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