I’ve just turned in a Creators Syndicate column on the joys of eclectic or non-traditional wines for that most traditional of American holidays — Thanksgiving.
When we think of Thanksgiving wines the conventional wisdom leans toward Beaujolais, red and white Burgundy, domestic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and sometimes Pinot Gris.
Nothing wrong with those choices. Wines of that ilk will certainly be the backbone of my major Thanksgiving wine piece. But for argument’s sake, and to encourage exploration, I suggest in this week’s Creators column (available at Whitley On Wine) domestic Gewurztraminer, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and a couple of sparkling red wines.
One of these, the bubbly Rosa Regale, will appeal to those who wish to imbibe on lower-alcohol wines throughout the Thanksgiving Day feast. Not to mention the fact this Italian delight is delicious.
I recommend a number of dry Gewurztraminer’s, but I have to say the Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch is my personal favorite. I’m fond, too, of another Sonoma County wine that I suggest with a slew of Cab Franc options, and that’s the Raymond Burr Cabernet Franc.
And finally, I single out a number of domestic and Italian Barberas, but don’t believe there’s a better value in the bunch than the $12 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti Le Orme. It’s not only cheap, but a superb food wine to boot!
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