Wines For The Great American Feast

The Thanksgiving table is a work of art, a cornucopia of colorful, aromatic dishes created by a marvelously gifted kitchen wizard. The place settings glow with fine china, crystal and silver. Appetites equal expectations. We really want wines on the table but that crushing decision everyone dreads cannot be ignored. Which wines?

Well-meaning confidants suggest bottles with ominous names like Chateau Alcovy River Embankment but our better angels arise and sound a caveat. Why complicate everything? The answer is so simple: place several different bottles on the table and allow each guest to go their own way. Variety works magic for this sacred American feast and here’s just a few suggestions that should be helpful. By the way, none of these will dent the budget.

Light-bodied red wines like Cru Beaujolais, Oregon Pinot Noir are wonderful choices. White wines, particularly Riesling will be well-received. Postpone the full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon for another day.

Consider these wines from Germany. Selected for compatibility with traditional festive American dishes, they are interesting, affordable and add something extra-special for the 2019 Thanksgiving experience.

DR. LOOSEN RIESLING DRY RED SLATE 2018

The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. dry Riesling is produced with fruit from estate-owned vineyards in the red slate soils found in the contiguous villages of Ürzig, Erden, Lösnich and Kinheim in Germany. Dry, delicious and so wonderful for Thanksgiving enjoyment. Widely available.

VILLA WOLF PINOT NOIR 2017

Pinot Noir has a long tradition in Germany’s Pfalz region, where it is known as

Spätburgunder. Founded in 1756, the J.L. Wolf estate (now called Villa Wolf ) was a successful and highly regarded winery for more than two centuries. Wolf Pinot Noir is warm and medium-bodied, with a firm acid structure. Its bright black-cherry fruit is juicy, ripe, and forward, with a spicy mid-palate. It’s an excellent, approachable red wine and begs for a place at the table..

WITTMANN 100 HILLS ROSÉ 2018

100% Pinot Noir, certified organic. The Rheinhessen region of Germany is a vast area of rolling hills in the knee of the Rhine River, between the Pfalz and the Rheingau. Wine grapes have been cultivated here since Roman times. Many different grape varieties are grown here, including Pinot Noir. Inclusion of this Rosé will round out the table with enough choices that are sure to stimulate conversation while satisfying appetites. Bonus: delicious and lovely in a crystal wine glass.

Doc Lawrence is a veteran food, wine and travel journalist, author and broadcaster. A popular speaker and event dinner host, his weekly show can be enjoyed on the worldwide iHeart Radio Network. www.thegourmethighway.com.

Contact: doclawrence@mindspring.com