First World Thanksgiving Wine Problems.
November 21, 2012
The Obligatory “Which Wines to Pair with Thanksgiving” Post.
November 19, 2012
Ahh, yes! ‘tis that time of year again! The time when pretty-much every wine writer says “xxxx!!! Do I have to write that ‘Thanksgiving Wine’ post again!?!? xxxx it!!!”
Thanksgiving, still to this day, remains the day when the most wine is consumed in the United States! To this end, you have a bunch of people walking up and down the wine aisles of the grocery store in a zombie-like state, with not a clue as to what they’re doing. I hope to alleviate that stress, and I even went so far as to provide a printable Thanksgiving wine shopping list!
The problem, of course, with the “traditional” Thanksgiving meal is that there are soooo many different flavors and texture on your plate, that pairing wine with them can be a tiny nightmare (First World problems at their finest!). That’s why it’s completely impossible, no matter who you are, to select ONE WINE that will pair with EVERYTHING!
I’ve therefore come up with Thanksgiving wine suggestions in seven different categories. There’s nothing like a little overkill….
Light-Bodied Whites
I suggest Gewurztraminer [guh-vertz-tra-mee-ner] and I suggest that it’s not from this country. This, out of all my suggestions, will be the only wine which will not be domestic. Why is that? Well, I think the French and Germans do a better job of making Gewurz. Same goes for Riesling. Sure there are some good examples coming out of the colder climate States (Washington and New York, for example), but in order to keep it varietally correct, France and Germany are the places to be.
Gewurztraminer tends to be inherent with a spicy cinnamon and nutmeg character, and is usually accompanied by a hint of sweetness. This makes it a perfect dual-purpose wine to keep the sweet wine drinkers happy, and also serving as a great accompaniment to pumpkin and/or apple pie.
Medium-Bodied Whites
Viognier. It isn’t one of the most widely recognized white grapes, and that’s why I’m throwing it into the mix here!
Viognier [vee-oh-n’yay] is made into one of the most aromatic white wines available. With crisp citrus flavors, surrounded by subtle herb and mineral notes, Viognier makes a prime pairing candidate for turkey and mashed potatoes.
Full-Bodied Whites
Thanksgiving is the ONE time of year when “Chardonnay-haters” are made to eat their words! People seem to have taken a severe disliking to oak in their wine, and that’s ok, but you’re going to need at least a little oak in your Chard if the wine is to stand against the richer dishes at the table. If your Thanksgiving meal is going to consist of pecans, walnuts, apples, pears, stuffing and various baking spices, a big and bold oaky buttery Chardonnay will be your best friend!
Recipe for Thanksgiving in a Glass.
November 19, 2012
I absolutely had to share this recipe with you for “Thanksgiving in a Glass.” I enjoyed this creation this past weekend whilst over my good friend Adam Bartoy’s house.
After you see the ingredients list and get to taste it for yourself, you’ll see why he named it Thanksgiving in a Glass! I’m 100% certain you’ll love this holiday cocktail!
Recipe for Thanksgiving in a Glass
Serves: As many people as you want…depending also on how tipsy you are looking for everyone to get!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
– Spiced Apple Cider (non-alcoholic)
– Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka (or any other brand of vodka with a “Pumpkin Pie” flavor…)
– Whipped Cream
– Nutmeg Powder
– Cinnamon Powder
– Cinnamon Sticks
METHOD
1. First, warm your apple cider in a pan over medium heat. Be careful not to boil. Alternately, you could heat the apple cider up in the microwave.
2. Pour a small amount of the Pumpkin Pie Vodka into your glass, and ladle in enough apple cider to fill the glass. I’ll leave the serving size on the vodka up to you!
3. Top with whipped cream, gently place in the cinnamon stick and sprinkle the cream with cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Sit back, relax and watch everyone else do the Thanksgiving cooking. Be careful though! This is one of those drinks that sneaks up on you, and before you know it your legs are drunk before your brain realizes it!
How to Cook a Turkey…with a Little Help from Wine.
November 19, 2012
Fulcrum “Floodgate Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma.
November 17, 2012
Grapes
100% Pinot Noir
Facts
- Good Pinot Noir is hard to find. Actually that’s an understatement. Good Pinot is a NIGHTMARE to find, and when you do find it you end up paying a premium. Sure, you can find Pinot for under $15 retail; but to be absolutely truthful, they generally don’t do the grape justice. I’m not saying that you ALWAYS have to spend upwards of $50 on a bottle (the price of this wine) to gain an insight into what Pinot Noir is capable of, but I’ve found over the years that people form an opinion (oftentimes a negative one) based solely on their experience with “El Cheapo Pinot” brands.
My advice to those who’ve yet to “really get into” Pinot Noir, is to first try a few premium bottles from the wineries doing it right (as we have here), if you’re looking to form a solid opinion on what the grape should taste like. Then you can start to explore from there.
I promise you’ll thank me later!
- David Rossi is the main man, actually the ONLY man, behind Fulcrum wines. His wife Christinna assists in the sales of marketing. And that’s it! You’re talking about a two person team here!
Needless to say, David Rossi of course lives very close to the vineyards which he sources his grapes from, and even closer to the winery where he’s making his wines…….right?
WRONG! David and his wife actually live in New Jersey, and regularly make the commute over to California to check on the progress of the grapes, make the wine (out of a custom crush facility) and everything else you can imagine (and some things you can’t) that goes into producing a cult Pinot Noir label. He’s obviously a passionate dude when it comes to his wines….and maybe also slightly insane…
- Each bottle of Fulcrum wine comes carefully wrapped in tissue paper and encased in a paper collar that has a seal depicting an acrobat juggling. Only 1,140 bottles (190 cases) of the Fulcrum Floodgate Pinot 2010 have been produced.
- The Pinot Noir grape…how do I put this politely…ermmmm….is kind of a….gigolo. The grape has been “spreading its seed” around the world, mainly in the Burgundy region of France, for centuries. To illustrate this, there are thought to be around over 1,000 different Pinot Noir clones in the world. By comparison, prudish Cabernet Sauvignon only has 12 identifiable clones.
So why are clones so important? Well, different clones produce very slight variations within grape varieties. It’s something which true Pinot lovers get really nerdy about!
With the Fulcrum Floodgate Vineyard Pinot we’re dealing with clone #667. This particular clone is best suited to cooler climates, in order to keep its sugar and tannin levels in balance. 667 is known for its cranberry and pomegranate fruit flavors, as well as a significant clove and nutmeg spice component.
- The 2010 Fulcrum Floodgate Vineyard Pinot Noir received 92 points from the Wine Enthusiast and also some impressive reviews from the Prince of Pinot.
California Beaujolais?
November 16, 2012
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