Which Wine Goes

With Thanksgiving?

One of the most frequently asked questions in a wine shop at this time of year is “Which wine goes with turkey?”

A better question might be “Which wine goes with turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli casserole and pumpkin pie?”

If your taste runs to white wine, chose something that has enough flavor and character to hold its own among the varied dishes that appear on a typical Thanksgiving table. A rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with some oaky flavors would certainly do the trick.

Since Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday, let’s make it a California Chardonnay.

A white wine from the Alsace region of France known as Gewurztraminer (yes, I can spell it and pronounce it) would also be appropriate because of its complex aromas, viscous body, and complex fruity flavors.

If your taste runs to red wine, any number of lighter bodied red wines could be appropriate. Beaujolais Nouveau made from the Gamay grape is a huge favorite on Thanksgiving tables. Nouveau wines are light, fruity reds that are the first wines produced from the 2005 vintage. They are meant to be consumed rather than savored, and are great for a crowd.

Pinot Noir is also a more delicate red that offers drier, more complex flavors than a Nouveau. Oregon, California and the Burgundy region of France all make wonderful Pinot Noir wines that would complement any table. They also might impress the wine snob who happened to wangle an invitation to the family dinner.

Let’s not forget Cotes du Rhone. The 2003 vintage that is currently available was fabulous for these French red blends that use Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and other grape varieties that you’ve never heard of.

The Thanksgiving feast involves a complicated dynamic of pairing wine with many diverse dishes as well as many diverse palates. There is no reason to make the wine selection too complicated. Find a good wine that you enjoy and pour it with confidence.

*Recently Tasted and Recommended: 2003 Charles Schleret Pinot Blanc.

This full-bodied Alsatian white wine drinks more like Gewurztraminer with loads of complex fruit flavors.

(Newtown resident and wine enthusiast Steve Small is the general manager at Yankee Wine & Spirits on Queen Street.)