Tradition will hold sway at the Whitley house this Thanksgiving, with hungry and thirsty relatives invading from the north (that would be the Los Angeles area) for a day of feasting, followed by a liesurely Friday at the San Diego Zoo.
I’m not exactly sure what I will haul up from the cellar on the big day, but I can tell you there will be plenty of good swill to go around. My mantra at these family bashes is variety, and lots of it.
I’ve posted my Creators Syndicate column on “comfort” wines for Thanksgiving over at Whitley On Wine, and there are a number of specific recommendations there. And I’m also written about “value” wines for Thanksgiving at the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Today I’m thinking about what I may have missed that might taste good, and the 2007 Eberle Syrah Rose comes to mind. This is a robust rose at more than 14 percent alcohol, and it shows a bit of tannin on the finish. Perfect for a main course-rose, meaning it has enough oomph to tackle the strong savory flavors of the Thanksgiving table. You can find this wine in my corner of the world for about $15.
I’m generally of a mind to set out a number of wines and let the gang pick and choose as it pleases. Doesn’t leave much room on the table for food, but everyone manages.
Gotta have a couple of good whites (though you would be surprised how much of the rose is drunk) and I’m remembering how much I enjoying the delicate floral perfume of the Four Graces Pinot Gris ($18). Definitely a hit with this crowd. And the Ventana Riesling ($18), which was a big winner on the wine competition circuit earlier in the year. The Ventana shows a hint of sweet fruit, which is good for this type of food and will please a few of my guests.
I’ve written quite a bit about Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving, so I think for a change of pace I’ll also set out a Syrah and a Merlot. The 2005 Syrah from Truchard ($28) is wonderful, with plush fruit, supple tannins and a peppery note on the finish.
And I’ve become quite fond of the Milbrandt “Legacy” Merlot from Washington ($28). It has plenty of power and weight (without being jammy or heavy) to satisfy the “big” red-wine drinkers, but enough elegance that everyone around the table would be more than happy to have a glass.
If tradition holds throughout the evening, there will be many hoisted glasses and toasting all around. So here’s a hooray for the red (definitely the color of the Eberle rose), white and blue wines of Thanksgiving Day, 2008!
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