Turkey and Pinot Noir

Gobble Up That Pinot Noir

by Jason Hatfield

The traditional Thanksgiving meal is the perfect thing to pair with Pinot Noir, the main red grape of Burgundy. Thanksgiving in my past was family oriented, meaning thousands of children running wild. I didn't think of the traditional meal as a wine meal until just a few years ago. The fact is a Thanksgiving meal can be extremely enhanced by the right wine. Now I am kicking myself for all of those beer and football themed holidays (just kidding, I had fun).

In my house the turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal. I don't want a heavy wine that will fill my mouth with grippy tannins. It will overpower the delicate flavors of the bird. Beaujolais is also a classic pairing with this meal, but I find I prefer an earthy Burgundy to the forward fruitiness of Beaujolais. Some American Pinot Noir's are known to be fruity but we have discovered that some aren't. Actually they can be pretty serious wines and pair great with this meal. Also if you use strong herbs in your bird this really jives with Pinot. This is only a preference; don't feel bad about loving Beaujolais and fruity Pinot.

For a lover of Burgundy, this is a great excuse to try some of those "special occasion" wines you've been coveting. They do disserve a grand meal, don't they? If your just getting into Burgundy the most classy and outrageously tasty ones are meant to be had with food. Younger and less expensive Burgundian wines seem to need food to balance that great acidic structure.

Have fun!

Be sure to write and tell me what you're planning.

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