Thanks to Katharine Cole of
MIX magazine for mentioning us! They asked me to recommend my favorite PNW gems best suited for a Thanksgiving feast. Seeing as those wines are mostly small production and may sell out quickly, I figured we'd throw out a few more for your Turkey filled table.
Jaquère Montmeliwhat?
Jean Vullien Savoie Blanc Jaquère, Montmelian 11.50$
The only non northwest wine of the bunch, this is the steal of
steals at $11.50. We've gushed about Jean Vullien's Mondeuse on multiple occasions and this white is just as good. Bright lemon/lime and subtle herb all prop up a
backbone of stony minerality. This wine is extremely well balanced. The
citrus notes work wonderfully with lemon zested green beans, and it's touch of fresh basil makes this a perfect white wine for light turkey meat
and savory stuffing. A salty caramel finish comes as a delightful surprise, allowing the wine to pair with dishes such as caramelized onion
tart. Oh, and for those wondering, Jaquère is the grape and Montmelian is one of the 17 cru's of Savoie in southeastern France :)
Together We Shall Rule The Galaxy as Father and Daughter*
Et Fille 2009 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 23$
Oregon
Pinot Noir is a classic Thanksgiving pairing, and at this price its
hard to find a better 2009. Using a blend of fruit from multiple premium vineyards, father/daughter wine making team Howard Mozeico and Jessica Mozeico-Blair have crafted a Pinot that is silky-smooth while still maintaining it's
bright acidity. The harmonious balance and gorgeous mouthfeel are two qualities we've found lacking in other 2009 Willamette Valley Pinots (it was a very hot year).
Fresh pipe tobacco and blackberry jump out of the glass while rich
baking spice coats the palate. It's a stand-out stuffing and turkey wine,
rich enough for dark meat but light and fresh enough for light, and it's got enough body to stand up to any other meat on the table.
Venison and Violets
Enso 2010 old vine Mourvedre, Bella Grace Vineyards 28$-----Just released Nov. 1st and only available at ENSO Winery and Tasting Lounge.
This wine smells of chalky chocolate covered blueberries and your grandfather's old leather chair that's been hiding in the attic for decades. Surprisingly dusty despite it's youth, this Mourvedre tastes like no other wine being made in the northwest. The tannins are soft but omnipresent while the acid is bright enough to make it perfect as the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table. The palate is full of peppery venison jerky and licorice covered rocks; it's a stellar match for meats, stuffing, cranberry sauce and cheeses.
We'd love to hear what will be on your table for the holiday--send us your Thanksgiving selections, and happy feasting! ---Brent
*No relation to the Skywalker family.
