Thanksgiving Wine Tips from our wine broad

BROADMINDED with Chiefwino, Andrew Stover
Sommelier from OYA Restaurant, www.oyadc.com,
SEI Restaurant, www.seirestaurant.com
and the NEW SAX Restaurant & Lounge, www.saxwdc.com.
Founder of Vino50 Selections, www.vino50.com and Chiefwino wine blog, www.chiefwino.com

THANKSGIVING WINE TIPS

Gobble Gobble!

Choosing wine for Thanksgiving means trying to pair a wide variety of flavors. Salty, sweet, creamy, herby…it’s a real Smörgåsbord of flavors.

I usually recommend to go with your personal preference but know that this is not the time for buttery, creamy California Chardonnay or big and rich Cabernet Sauvignons.

Typically, sparkling wine is usually the best overall pairing to a wide variety of flavors but if bubbly isn’t your gig, the following types of wines tend to pair best with the flavors found on the Thanksgiving table. Since Thanksgiving is an AMERICAN holiday, try to drink something from the good ‘ol U.S.A!

Whites:
Riesling with a hint of sweetness
Gewurztraminer
Albarino
Viognier

Reds:
Pinot Noir
Zinfandel
Syrah/Shiraz

Rose, drier and less fruitier styles

Tedeschi Vineyards ‘Hula O Maui’ Sparkling Pineapple, Maui, Hawaii
Average Retail Price: 24.99
www.mauiwine.com

An amazing dry, Champagne-like pineapple sparkling wine that works especially well with ham laced with pineapple as well as fruitier dishes on the Thanksgiving table.

Tarara Winery Viognier, Loudoun County, Virginia
Average Retail Price: 16.99
www.tarara.com

An alternative to Chardonnay with notes of white flower, honeysuckle and tropical fruit, plus passion fruit and mango on the finish, smooth and luscious. The fruity notes in the wine pair well with fruitier flavors found in Thanksgiving dishes.

Casa Larga ‘Vineyard Hill’ Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York
Average Retail Price: 9.99
www.casalarga.com

If you like your Riesling a little on the sweeter side, this one is for you—fresh and floral, notes of rose petal, lime zest, white peach and grapefruit, luscious texture with a semi-sweet finish. Riesling works well with sweet potatoes, ham, turkey and anything with a slightly sweet edge.

Amity Vineyards Organic/Sulfite Free Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Average Retail Price: 19.99
www.amityvineyards.com

Pinot Noir is often a pretty versatile wine and pairs nicely with dark meat Turkey with herb stuffing but also works with ham, lamb or beef. Bright cherry notes with slight earth undertones. Very juicy and easy to drink. Plus this wine is not only organic but sulfite free for those that are sensitive to sulphur.

Sawtooth Syrah, Snake River Valley, Idaho
Average Retail Price: 15.99
www.sawtoothwinery.com

Rich and brooding aromas of chocolate, cedar, dark plums, hint of earth. An explosion of black cherry and chocolate in the mouth, rich and velvety finish. The peppery notes in the wine pair well with herb stuffing and while not an overly heavy wine, Syrah will please any big Cabernet lover.

Tasting Events!

1. Great American Crush Tasting
Please join us for "The Great American Crush" a wine tasting. We will be tasting some of the seasons most bountiful all American Wines. These wines will pair perfectly with all of your harvest season menus. All this while enjoying Silo Point's magnificent views of the city.

We will have special guest Sommelier Andrew Stover of Vino 50. Vino 50 celebrates American winemaking at its best, with a focus on eclectic and unknown American wine regions.

This will be a fun and exciting wine tasting that you won't want to miss.

Date: October 20th, 2011
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Place: Sky Lounge at Silo Point
1200 Steuart Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: $25.00 per person

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=125862367518231#