Uncorking Thanksgiving: A Guide to the Best Wines for Your Feast

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, the perfect wine can elevate the feast to a truly memorable experience. With a variety of flavors on the menu, from the savory turkey to the sweet cranberry sauce, choosing the right wines can be a delightful adventure. In this guide, we'll explore a curated list of wines that harmonize with the diverse flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You can find such selection at Delfino Fine Wines, at the tasting room in Albany, OR, or online at www.delfinofinewines.com/Shop

White wines

While red wines often dominate Thanksgiving discussions, a well-chosen white wine can be a refreshing and unexpected addition. They can work well with turkey, lighter meat dishes, and a range of sides, including salads and vegetables.

• 2020 DFW Oregon Chardonnay: The Classic White Companion - For white wine enthusiasts, Chardonnay is a classic choice. Opt for a well-balanced, unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay to accompany both white and dark meat turkey. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser.
• 2016 Cantine Guidi Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG: Italian Elegance -Vernaccia is a white wine produced in the Tuscany region of Italy, specifically in the area around the medieval town of San Gimignano. Vernaccia offers a range of flavors, including crisp citrus, green apple, herbal or floral notes. The Riserva designation indicates that the wine has been aged for at least a year, adding complexity to the flavor profile. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is known for its vibrant acidity, making it a suitable choice to cut through the richness of Thanksgiving dishes.
• Cantina Sancio Lady Chatterley Sparkling Wine: Bubbles of Celebration - The distinctive Methode Classic Lady Chatterley not only brings an elegant and festive dimension but also refreshes the palate between indulgent bites. Whether for toasting, pairing with appetizers, or accompanying the main course, this unique sparkling wine is the absolute perfection alongside fried turkey.

Rosé wines

Rosé often combines elements of red and white wines. It has some of the red fruit characteristics of red wine and the refreshing qualities of white wine, making it a great middle ground for a mixed menu. The lovely pink hue of Rosé also adds a touch of elegance to the Thanksgiving table, making it visually appealing for a festive occasion.

• 2020 DFW Oregon Rosé: Acidity and Refreshment - With lively acidity, this Tempranillo rosé serves as a palate cleanser, especially beneficial when navigating a diverse array of dishes boasting various flavors and textures. The refreshing nature of Rosé elevates the overall dining experience, ensuring each bite is a delightful encounter.
• 2021 Bricco del Cucu' Dolcetto Rosé: Fruit-forward Profile - Rosé of Dolcetto exhibits bright fruit flavors, such as strawberries, raspberries, and citrus. These fruity notes can harmonize well with the sweetness of glazed or cranberry-infused dishes and provide a pleasant contrast to savory elements.
• Cantina Sancio Mezu Mezu Rosé Sparkling Wine: Refreshing Contrast - This effervescent rosé showcases a delightful blend of citrus, reminiscent of vibrant red blood orange, and a medley of red fruit notes including strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Its lively and tangy acidity acts as a palate-refreshing contrast, skillfully cutting through the richness, while the fruity nuances harmonize with both the sweet and savory elements of a Thanksgiving feast.

Red wines

Red wines, particularly those with moderate tannins and acidity, are versatile and can complement a variety of Thanksgiving dishes, including the turkey, stuffing, and richer sides.

• 2020 DFW Oregon Pinot Noir: Smoky and Savory - Pinot Noir, often hailed as the chameleon of red wines, stands out as an exceptional choice for Thanksgiving. Its gentle tannins and red fruit notes harmonize seamlessly with the turkey and complement a diverse array of side dishes. Our selection includes a Pinot Noir distinguished by a subtle smokiness, a characteristic imparted by the 2020 wildfires, which enhances the pairing with the savory and slightly gamey flavors of the turkey. This synergy is particularly remarkable when the turkey is grilled with BBQ sauce, as the wine's smokiness melds gracefully with the rich layers of the BBQ glaze, creating an intricate dance of flavors that captivates the taste buds. The Pinot Noir's nuanced spiciness intertwines elegantly with the seasoned allure of the turkey, resulting in a pairing that is simultaneously robust and refined.
• 2021 Cantine Guidi Chianti Classico DOCG: A Tuscan Tradition - Introducing Chianti Classico, a red wine from the heart of Tuscany, primarily made of Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico's medium body and balanced acidity make it a versatile wine that pairs well with both white and dark meat turkey and works well with a range of side dishes, from herb-infused stuffing to roasted vegetables. The wine's acidity can cut through the richness of dishes like gravy and mashed potatoes, providing a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites. This Chianti Classico has earthy and herbal notes that complement the flavors of fall vegetables and herbs commonly used in Thanksgiving recipes. Finally, Chianti Classico is a wine with a sense of tradition and a touch of Italian elegance, making it a fitting choice for a special occasion like Thanksgiving. When choosing a Chianti Classico, consider selecting a Riserva if you enjoy wines with a bit more complexity and aging potential.
• 2020 DFW Oregon Syrah Reserve: Bold and Robust, but Soft - Syrah is a red wine that adds bold and robust characteristics to your Thanksgiving table. It brings a dark fruit explosion with intense flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry that makes Syrah a captivating choice for your Thanksgiving feast. Distinct pepperiness, coupled with spice and herbal nuances, provides a delightful contrast. Syrah's robust nature allows it to stand up to heartier dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats, making it an ideal companion to your Thanksgiving turkey. The wine's bold structure complements the savory flavors, creating a harmonious balance. While Syrah can be bold, its tannins are often velvety and well-integrated. This means you get the structure without the astringency, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable sipping experience.

This Thanksgiving, let your wine selection be as diverse and flavorful as your feast. Whether you're a red wine enthusiast, a lover of whites, or a fan of the effervescent, there's a perfect wine waiting to be uncorked. Cheers to a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, warmth, and the perfect pour