By Nikki Scott
Thanksgiving is a time for many things, not least of which, of course, is gratitude. Many of us participate in the tradition of going around the dinner table and sharing what we are thankful for. It goes without saying that here at BAWC, we are thankful for wine! If you do a quick Google search, you will find hundreds of thousands of articles suggesting food and wine pairings for Thanksgiving, most of which will provide the exact same advice. This year, our editor-in-chief Nikki Scott recommends a different approach: choose your wine based on what you are most thankful for. Here is our guide:
I’m thankful that I get to take four days of from work
You’ve been working way too hard. It’s time for some hardcore relaxing! Unplug the laptop, turn off your iPhone, and indulge in a long weekend that’s all about lounging with family and friends. Those unread emails can wait. And since you’re not taking yourself too seriously, treat your wine selection the same way. Opt for something fun, fruity, and juicy—bonus points if it comes in a one-liter bottle!
Wine Pairing: Totally unpretentious Austrian Zweigelt
Our Pick: Pratsch Zweigelt, Niederösterreich, Austria, 2013
I’m thankful that I get to eat Thanksgiving dinner
So you’re a traditionalist. Your favorite part of Thanksgiving is the meal itself. You’re not about all that family drama that everyone complains of at this time of year—though you probably have a very particular way in which you prefer your mashed potatoes to be prepared. Whether you are Team Chunky or Team Smooth, you can’t go wrong with an ultra-classic pairing on your table—something American, of course!
Wine Pairing: Bright, red-fruited California Pinot Noir
Our Pick: Poe Wines Pinot Noir, Manchester Ridge Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge, 2013
I’m thankful that the Gilmore Girls reboot is finally on Netflix
No one knows how to snack quite like Lorelai and Rory. If you’re binge-watching and feeling inspired by their epic binge-eating, you’ll want a big, rich, gluttonous wine to match their boundless appetites. Will Rory end up with one of her former flames?? Will Luke and Lorelai finally tie the knot? Does it really matter as long as you have a nice big glass of wine in front of you??
Wine Pairing: Rich, opulent, jammy Zinfandel
Our Pick: Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel, Pesenti Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2014
I’m thankful that my parents are paying for the wine
You’ve been drinking on the cheap all year to conserve money, and you could use a glass of something really special. Luckily, now that you only see your family once a year, they’re more than happy to spoil you. It’s not a bribe to get you to visit more—they swear! But when they put you in charge of the wine selection, don’t let that opportunity go to waste.
Wine Pairing: Serious Grand Cru Burgundy
Our Pick: Louis Jadot Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, 2014
I’m thankful for cozy sweater weather
Throughout most of America, the leaves are beginning to change colors, the air is growing increasingly crisp, and everywhere you go seems to be tinged with the scent of pumpkin spice. This time of year just makes you want to snuggle up in your softest, warmest sweater while sipping on a glass of something deep, red, and warming.
Wine Pairing: Earthy, spicy Northern-Rhône Syrah
Our Pick: Domaine Pradelle Crozes-Hermitage, 2013
I’m thankful that I’m enjoying a destination Thanksgiving celebration somewhere warm
Lucky you! Your friends are helping their parents shovel snow out of their driveways, while you are instagramming your fresh pedicure while you tan your legs on a tropical beach. No need to worry about how you’re going to have an entire meal for 12 ready by mid-afternoon with only two ovens—you’ve opted for restaurant reservations instead. Just make sure you’ve chosen somewhere with reasonable corkage, and bring a crisp, refreshing white with tropical fruit notes.
Wine Pairing: Cheerful, sunny Albariño
Our Pick: Benito Santos Albariño ‘Igrexario de Saiar’, Rías Baixas, 2014
I’m thankful that I’m skipping the family drama this year and doing “Friendsgiving” instead
When you’re with your relatives, you often have to play it safe with the wine choices. Maybe Mom only drinks buttery Chardonnay, or Dad always sticks to a Bordeaux blend. When you’re with your friends, you can get a little more creative. This is a great time to try something different and a little bit funky—preferably from a region or grape variety (or both!) that’s brand new to you.
Wine Pairing: Crisp, savory Savignin from the Jura
Our Pick: Domaine du Pelican Savagnin “Ouillé” Arbois Blanc, 2014
I’m thankful that the in-laws will be watching the kids all weekend
What could be better than free babysitting? Free babysitting while you slowly savor a glass of delicious, complex, heady wine. Sure, you get to enjoy a glass some nights after they’ve gone to bed, but do you really get to enjoy it? Now that you have some extra assistance, go for a wine that you can really lose yourself in. After dinner, grab a slice of pumpkin pie, pour yourself a glass of something fortified, and enjoy the aromas, the flavors, and the extra boost of alcohol.
Wine Pairing: Rich, nutty, contemplative Madeira
Our Pick: Cossart Gordon Colheita Bual Vintage Madeira, Portugal, 2005
I’m thankful that I’m an adult and I can do whatever I want!
Going home for the holidays may bring back memories of a time when your parents were constantly reminding you that as long as you lived under their roof, you followed their rules. But whether you are spending the long weekend with family or not, times have changed and you have autonomy now—and you can drink whatever you like. There’s no need to let a list of prescribed Thanksgiving pairings dictate what ends up in your glass! This is the time to drink whatever makes you happiest, regardless of how it complements a turkey.
Wine Pairing: Whatever you want!