ThanksGiving Drink Guide 2024
It’s the Saturday before Thanksgiving! You don’t have to bring a whole bird or a pan of stuffing…
“Can you bring the drinks?”
“Sure!”, you say unsure if they mean a fridge pack of Canada Dry or a handle of Tito’s.
“Just some wine would be great! Maybe a mixer?”
You’re dazzling and sophisticated and don’t want to show up with the same old stuff. You want to mix it up but still keep your friends and loved ones happy. But, the wine section of any big box store can be so daunting. I know, I may not be your tita, but I am A Tita, and I am here to help you out, as your Fairy Winemother.
So, Thanksgiving. A big meal, with a lot of rich, sweet, and savory flavors. You don’t want to pull out your biggest, boldest Cab Sauv. Stick with light to medium body, fruit forward, dry reds. Something that leans tart (like your cranberry sauce), or with notes of baking spice (like your sweet potato casserole), will play well with everything on the table, but won’t overpower the more delicate flavors of your protein and lighter sides
Willammette Pinot Noirs are going to be fruity and easy drinking, something everyone knows and likes this time of year. Same goes for Beaujolais, this is what your fanciest aunt will be most impressed by especially if you spring for Cru vs. the more affordable Nouveau (you do not have to do this).
If you have any Very Online wine nerd cousins (like me!), they will write you into their will if you show up with Beaujolais’ twin sister, Gamay (all Beaus are Gamays, but not all Gamays are Beaus…Champagne rules). Like her sister, she prefers a slight chill and is very sophisticated Party Juice. Valdiguié is their cousin who went to Berkley, they look like they could be twins, she doesn’t come around as much, but when she does, she’s a real good time. All these gals are going to have a nice cran-esque punch and will keep you wanting to come back for more.
Cinsault is a little spicier and more mysterious, giving a more savory herbs and white pepper vibe.
The real party girl here is Lambrusco. She’s Italian, she sparkles, and she rides the dry-sweet spectrum so well, she will be everyone’s bestie by the end of the night. Stick on the dry side, the sweet stuff will get very cloying next to everything on the T-day table.
For your aunt who just HAS to have a Cab? Try Cabernet Franc, Cab Sauv’s silver fox dad. More acidic, and more fun, it’s like when you find out your hedge fund boyfriend’s dad went to Woodstock.
What about whites? In this economy?! Just joking, there are plenty of white and rosé to go with your Thanksgiving feast. Just leave the butter for the rolls, and pack up that smooth as silk Chardonnay for another day, she’s not going to get the shine she deserves on this table. Fruit? Yes. Acid? Of course!
Chenin Blanc is my favorite recognizable crowd pleaser. Vouvray is her Sasha Fierce. They’re both very fruity, with a pleasant acidity that should make most white wine lovers very happy. Same goes for party girl Riesling’s dry side. And a Vinho Verde will almost always do your wallet and your guests just right.
Still trying to impress that Very Online cousin? Go for a skin contact white (like Field Recordings Skins), unexpected but still hitting all the notes you want from a Chenin Blanc blend.
Sancerre is for the Sauv Blanc lovers, this is as if she watched one season of Emily In Paris and made it her whole personality (affectionate), but she’s still the same girl you adore.
Pinot Gris is Pinot Grigio in a VERY well done wig, and we love that about her.
Gewürztraminer is harder to say than it is to drink, trust me. She lives more on the Chenin side of things.
And for my Rosé All Day set, try and look for something from a fruitier grape like Pinot Noir or Grenache, so the acid doesn’t overwhelm your meal and start to become bitter.
Bubbly is always the right answer! We will get more into this with next month’s Holiday Extravaganza is: Cremant and Cava are going to run you less than a traditional Champagne, and still give you great flavor. Blanc de Noirs is fun if you want to go Pinot Noir all the way down, and Pinot Meunier is great for a seafood heavy apps course (like oysters). Of the Champagne grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) she is the raciest, and has the most salinity on the palate, don’t let her take you unawares during dessert, unless you’re into that sort of thing.
If you have a little time, I’ve included a quick and easy recipe for a citrus cranberry syrup. Put it in a nice bottle and you will look like a hero! Mix it with anything from old fashioneds, to fresh juice margs, and it will work great. For a spirit free option, try it with apple cider (hot or cold), or just straight up with club soda or ginger beer!
Have fun and be safe this holiday week! And if you want more fun and easy ideas for your own parties and events, head to 163creative.com to schedule a consult! Options include a DIY kit with personalized recipes and shopping lists.
