“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. As I have grown older, I’ve definitely begun to appreciate it more. While eating some delicious food is always a delight, I love the meaning of the holiday - to give thanks, and to reflect on the wonderful things this year has produced.
My husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving. This will be our second time hosting everyone for this holiday. We are so excited, and have been preparing and testing out new recipes for our loved ones. Once we finalized our menu, I eagerly began researching wines we’d like to pair with our dishes, and what better wines to pair with our food, than Virginia wines? G and I are lovers of Virginia wines, and there are so many wonderful wineries and vineyards in our home state.
Today, I am sharing my current favorite Virginia wines - some are new to the lineup! Also, I’m recommending the perfect Thanksgiving food pairings for each wine.
Sparkling Rosé
Michael Shaps - Maison Shaps Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé
Michael Shaps - Maison Shaps Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé
This Pinot Noir based sparkling rosé can be enjoyed throughout the Thanksgiving meal. It pairs perfectly with almost any dish - honey baked ham, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, and list goes on. It is dry, balanced, crisp, and so delicious. Also, this bubbly has bright acidity, which will hold up to all of the various dishes that are served during Thanksgiving.
This Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé is truly the unsung hero of Thanksgiving Day dinner.
Perfect Pairs:
Mac & Cheese, Turkey, Ham, Green Beans, Deviled Eggs, and Cranberry Sauce
Chardonnay
Williamsburg Winery - 2018 Wessex Hundred Chardonnay
Williamsburg Winery - Wessex Hundred Chardonnay
The oak and butter notes of Chardonnay really make it an excellent white wine that can hold up to a variety of dishes. Also, the lemon and apple notes pair perfectly with the heavier dishes, like the yams and mashed potatoes. Chardonnay is a perfect compliment to turkey and really stands up to the herbs and spices on the protein as well.
Perfect Pairs:
Turkey, Yams, Deviled Eggs, Buttered Rolls, Cornbread, and Mashed Potatoes
Tannat
Fabbioli Cellars - 2016 Tannat
Fabbioli Cellars - Tannat
Tannat is a bold wine for sure and definitely needs dishes that can stand up to it. If you are serving red meat during Thanksgiving - this is a perfect wine for it. Also, macaroni and cheese is ideal as well, because aged cheeses pair super well with this wine. With this wine you’ll get vanilla bean and mocha, which will be a wonderful compliment to sweet potatoes too!
Perfect Pairs:
Beef, Mac & Cheese, Dressing, and Sweet Potatoes
Cabernet Franc
Stone Tower Winery - 2016 Wild Boar Cabernet Franc
Stone Tower Winery - Wild Boar Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Francs are often full-bodied, moderately or highly tannic wine. The aromas boast in spices and notes are heavy with red/black berry fruits. This wine pairs well with hearty dishes - red meat or dark meat proteins are ideal companions for the Cabernet Franc. Also, Cab Franc really compliments the fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, used on perfect pair proteins as well.
Perfect Pairs:
Dark Meat Turkey, Beef, Collard Greens, and Mac & Cheese
Red Bordeaux
Saude Creek Vineyards - 1791
Saude Creek Vineyards - 1791
This Bordeaux-style blend has earthy flavors of blackberry and cherry. The tannins soft, and there are notes of smoke, tobacco, and espresso that come forward on the nose. Just like the Cabernet Franc, this wine goes well with red meats, or dark white meat. This wine is absolutely perfect to end the dinner with!
Perfect Pairs:
Dark Meat Turkey and Smoked Prime Rib
XO, Analise